Anyone on Facebook has probably read or at least come across an Odyssey article at some point in time, whether you knew it was Odyssey or not.

Of course, I am one of those people.

I remember always reading those really sweet “open letter” pieces or the funny ones filled with relatable memes. But, I always assumed it was just a group of people for some company writing them.

I had no idea it was a bunch of people my age, younger and older, who were from a million different places.

When I clicked the button to join Odyssey in May of last year, I really had no idea what it meant. I absentmindedly clicked a community that wasn’t associated with any college, mainly because I was not yet in college.

I had no idea what was to come, the type of people I would meet or the experience I would gain.

I began writing weekly, and I was writing about anything that came to my mind. It became this outlet for me that I felt so incredibly lucky to have. With some of the pieces I wrote, I was so thrilled to be helping others more than just helping myself.

Not only did I get the opportunity to write and to be published online, but a couple of my articles were actually pretty big hits, big enough to make the main page (which are still two of my favorite accomplishments to date.)

To have my own pieces viewed by so many people felt so amazing, and I was so proud to have gotten to that point with my own work.

With this journey, I have learned much more than I ever thought I would. I’ve held various executive positions, and I’ve gotten to talk to so many different people, whom I would never have met if it wasn’t for Odyssey.

Aspiring Journalism Professionals has such a talented group of creators, and every week I am more and more impressed with the content put out by this community.

To make a long story a little bit shorter, that absent-minded click became the biggest blessing and biggest lesson I’ve had thus far.

My final note goes to Bri. I owe you a huge thank you for everything you have done for me.

Thank you for being my friend, being a part-time counselor, reading over and editing every article I’ve written, and most importantly, thank you for being the most amazing EIC anyone could have. The lessons you have taught me about writing and about life will be lessons I take with me forever.

I couldn’t possibly be more thankful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. Thank you for allowing Odyssey and this amazing team to be part of mine.