Odyssey is a platform that allows every Content Creator (the writers) to write about any topic they feel passionately about. For those people that love to post rants on Facebook and never feel heard, Odyssey gives them a place to make that rant worth something. Odyssey gives the opportunity to impact people who have shared the same experience or opinion as the writer. The freedom to write about any topic is a little challenging because it leaves all the power in the writer's hands, but having that power is extremely liberating. I love knowing that when I write my articles, I can voice my concerns about an issue that has had an effect on me, or let the world know how grateful I am for something or someone.
Does Odyssey get a little repetitive at times? Absolutely, but every media platform does. Buzzfeed has countless articles that have zero substance to them, whereas Odyssey articles have as much depth as possible to truly have an influence. I've seen so many articles from Odyssey about how to survive freshman year or thanking someone's brothers and sisters for being the best ever, but Odyssey doesn't just let those articles keep going out. As an EIC (Editor-In-Chief) of my own community, I have seen firsthand how much Odyssey dedicates itself to helping its employees grow. I have been taught how to share articles effectively on social media, how to recognize good, viral-potential content, and how to craft a headline that grabs readers' attention right away. I have been able to take all of my new skills and teach them to my own community, ensuring that every single person involved with the company is well-prepared and has the best possible chance at success.
As an EIC, I am very passionate about seeing my Content Creators succeed. I want them to go viral. I want them to get paid for their time and effort. I want them to want to be a member of the amazing, constantly-improving community that we began almost six months ago at our college. Not only do they have a chance to get paid and gain skills, but they also get to use this experience and apply it to their future in other careers. I have had the chance to be a manager of 25+ people in the editorial field at the age of 21-years-old. How many people get to say they're a manager before they even finish college? Not that many. I have never felt more prepared to enter a career in journalism because I am constantly gaining experience managing, writing, editing, and working as part of a bigger corporate picture. There is such a broad set of skills and opportunities that Odyssey can offer, and all we have to do in return is stay passionate and committed.
