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Odyssey Isn't News, And It Isn't Meant To Be

I don't create on Odyssey to inform you, I do it to share my perspective with you.

Emma Barrera
Jun 12, 2017
George Washington UniversityTemple University
31
Odyssey Isn't News, And It Isn't Meant To Be

Ever since I started as an Odyssey creator last fall, I've noticed a lot of animosity toward the platform as a whole.

I've seen tweets that say "it's sad that it's 2017 and Odyssey still exists," I've heard it called "fake news," and I've been laughed at when I tell people I write for Odyssey.

Here's the deal: Odyssey is not news. And it wasn't meant to be.

Odyssey is a platform for creation. It's where college students can respond to the news. It's where they can put their experiences into words and allow other people to find the content they can relate to, things that keep them grounded in this fast-paced, Internet-centered world.

I don't write for Odyssey because I like to bitch or because I love politics or because I like to live up to the basic white girl stereotype.

I write for Odyssey because I have thoughts that I feel contribute to a greater conversation. I write for Odyssey because I have thoughts that I'm too scared to say aloud, but that I know could benefit other people if I were brave enough to share them. I write for Odyssey because I need an outlet to share my feelings and opinions.

I'm not here to explain to you what happened at the Comey trial. I'm not here to report on the results of the elections in England. I'm not pretending I'm an intern for NPR or CNN or MSNBC.

I'm here to share with you how each of those things made me feel. I'm here to share with you that I feel imperfect. I'm here to share with you things that I've experienced that I know you can relate to you.

As an Odyssey creator, I've taken it upon myself to be ready to be criticized, and I absolutely have been. No one's feelings towards one thing or another can be discredited because everyone owns their own thoughts, opinions, and emotions. And that is the point of being an Odyssey creator.

Odyssey creates a dialogue. Odyssey creates a safe space. Odyssey stirs the pot.

So next time you shit on me for being "a white girl with internet access," remember I'm not here to teach you or keep you updated on what's going on in the world.

I'm here to share what's in my heart and mind, and you can't take that away from me.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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