Exactly one year ago, January 16, 2017, my first article went live. My editor had reached out to me a few weeks earlier about joining the team, and while normally I feel pushed to say yes because I feel bad saying no, that wasn't the case this time. It was just after the new year and I wanted to become more involved in different activities and put myself out there more.

I had read Odyssey articles before, but I had never envisioned myself as a writer. Sure, I like to write, but writing articles and posting them on social media for all to see? The thought just never crossed my mind that this might be something I could do, let alone be good at.

It didn't cross my mind until I was invited to join my school's Odyssey community, and suddenly I found myself coming up with ideas for articles and actually using those ideas to write articles. It was so surreal. I couldn't believe it was me who was writing these articles and listicles, learning how to insert gifs and trying to be funny. Not only that, but I was having a blast doing something that I was worried would feel like a chore, like just another homework assignment.

But writing for Odyssey is not just about the articles or the content or the views. Does it feel great when your article gets featured on the main page? Of course, it does, that was one of the coolest things that happened to me during this year of writing!

But writing for Odyssey is so much more than that. The Odyssey gave me a platform to enhance my writing skills. It gave me a platform to write about what I want to write about, and it gave me a platform where my voice can be heard. And the Odyssey still gives me all of those things.

But more importantly, Odyssey gave me a community (that I eventually became the Health Manager of!). My school's community is amazing, and watching it grow and succeed has been so wild and magnificent. We all support each other, even if we've never met in person.

We have thought-provoking conversations in our group chat where we discuss current events, but we also have late-night conversations about our favorite music. We help each other with article ideas and content, but we also send memes and make jokes. We respect each other and we root for each other, becoming just as excited for our member whose article recently made the main page as she is. We cheer each other on, even when it doesn't have to do with an Odyssey-related subject.

My writing skills may have improved since I started writing for the Odyssey, but I don't think I'll ever be able to find the words to express how grateful I am for the platform, community, and friendship that has become such an important part of my life. So, Happy Anniversary, Odyssey - I can't wait to see what this year brings.