My first semester of college was definitely something that I wish I could relive. I became close to a number of people and I found myself to be visiting home for much less of a time than I had originally anticipated. Being on campus to me was without a doubt feeling like I was home. Every time I was away, I couldn’t wait to be back. Then, something changed.

Coming back from Christmas break, I knew things were going to be a little bit different. No one had the same schedule and I knew it would take a little bit of work and good planning to see my friends. As time went on though, I realized that things were in fact a lot different than before. I barely saw my friends on campus, my roommate wasn’t around as much, my classes were more difficult and my friendships at home were suffering as well. I started to feel very stressed out and became somewhat depressed. It got to the point where crying was something I did often and coming home for the whole weekend was something I looked forward to the second I came back to campus on Sunday nights.

After much convincing from my best friend at school, I made the decision to go to Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) on campus. That’s not something many people know about me because in all honesty, I was a little embarrassed. Even after going every week, I missed being around my friends and felt severely alone. Speaking with my EOF peer counselor over coffee one day, I vented about what was on my mind. Along with feeling alone, I was also a bit stressed out due to my undeclared major. Once she heard I liked to write, she immediately told me that I should join Odyssey. So here I am.

I never thought that writing an article every week, even if it’s just a list of things or a simple thank you to my loved ones, could improve my mood as much as it has. The first article I wrote ended up winning for the most shares that week and I was hooked that instant. Seeing my name published with my writing is something that I don’t think I’ve realized would mean so much to me. It gives me a sense of pride and it’s even helped me to decide that I would love to one day go into journalism.

Odyssey has made a severe impact on my life. I still may be down sometimes when I miss my friends, especially now that summer is here and they live far away, but writing helps distract me even if it’s just for an hour. For one hour, I forget about what’s going on in the real world and I can express myself through my pieces. It’s given me a voice and a lot of people are able to now understand my opinions and feelings. Even better, I’m able to share who I am with the Odyssey community, a community that I am forever grateful to be a part of. Odyssey is helping me to inch my way out of my comfort zone with each passing week. Writing that first article was the best decision I have ever made. In more ways than one, Odyssey has been my sanctuary. I am safe. I am free.