To my Odyssey Team:

When I accepted the role as Editor in Chief, I was a little apprehensive. I’m not good at bossing people around, and I didn’t want to come off as being too weak, or coming on too strong. I didn’t know any of you, and I was afraid to reach out to you because all I was, was a stranger. My first instruction was to make phone calls to all of you. Phone calls? What? Nope. That wasn’t happening. I’m scared to make phone calls to my own family members, let alone people who didn’t have a clue who I was. But I didn’t have much of a choice at this point. I now had a group of writers looking up to me to lead them and make our team successful. Once I actually got on the phone with you guys, started talking to you, having real life conversations with you, and getting to know you, I realized that this was something I could handle. I quickly learned that my teammates were my teachers. I went into Odyssey seeing myself as the head, the number one, the top dog. But in turn, it was you guys on the team that gave me the strength that I needed to make our group successful. You guys are the top-dogs. I just make the finishing touches each week. In the beginning, I hoped I’d get fired. Without all of your warm welcomes, kind words, helpful advice and reassuring conversation, I wouldn’t have lasted a week. Thank you so much for saving me.

Guys, I want to tell you how much you mean to me.

No, I don’t go to the school I manage anymore, but nevertheless, we are such a close-knit community and I couldn’t ask for a better team. You guys communicate with not only me, but with each other; you reach out to me when you need help, you are responsive, funny, honest, kind, and helpful. Thank you so much for going above and beyond my expectations and being the most wonderful Odyssey team I could ever ask to be part of. And let me just tell you- this is not my doing.This is 100% on all of you, which shows just how dedicated you are to our team. I cannot train you to be good people. You just are, and I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to know you. I’m slow to communicate at times because I fear being shut down, I'm very hard on myself about a lot of things. I often worry that I'm not a good enough leader. But you guys constantly teach me to be brave. You guys have helped me come out of my shell and become confident in my skills. I now feel like an actual leader. I feel like I can take on these tasks in the correct manor. But without the kindness, support and dedication of all of you, there is no way I could have stuck to this job. Its not even a job though. Being part of Odyssey isn’t working. Its my pleasure getting to know every one of you. We’re a family.

I want each and every one of you to know that I am here for you.

Not only when it comes to Odyssey as your Editor in Chief, but I am also here for you as a friend. I am here as a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason, as someone to rant to, laugh with or talk to on good and bad days. I’m here. You’re more than just my content creators. You’re my friends. I truly, truly care about each and every one of you on a personal level. I have learned so much about your lives, your families, your thoughts, beliefs and struggles through reading your beautiful articles every week. I have gained so much respect for all of you, and all of the battles you have fought, and continue to fight. Thank you for letting me into your lives through your writing. Thank you for trusting me with those pieces of your heart. You are all very, very special people with beautiful souls and bright futures. Your bravery and strength shines in your writing, and I can’t wait to see you accomplish your dreams.

Thank you for all you have taught me.

-Your Editor in Chief