"Taking time to build community, to get to know your people will have long-lasting benefits."
- Clifton Taulbert
One day a friend messaged me about this website called The Odyssey. I was completely interested; I love to write, plus he told me there was some money involved. And let's be honest, most of joined for the money. But, that wasn't the only reason, I wanted to have people by my side and to know more people as an incoming freshman. I am honestly glad that I was given an opportunity to represent my college before I even stepped foot on campus. And the day before I moved in I became our community's Social Media Director (SMD).
Now I would like to speak directly to my team,
Thank you guys for everything. I truly mean that. You have helped me through so much. You all came together to bring me comfort during my month of homesickness. I was given the courage to reach out to people and make friends. A member was willing to sit with me during meals the first few days of the semester. Although we sat in awkward silence, it really helped me and I cannot thank you enough. One day I reached out to another member, we were running late but something told me that I needed to wait for her. We met and ate lunch. Right off the bat we clicked. It seemed like we knew each other forever, we both hate talking to new people, but we talked non-stop. She saved me from the loneliness I had on the floor of my other dorm. I moved in with her and I have felt less homesick with her.
We had an amazing Editor in Chief (EIC), but sadly she stepped down from that position. Our new EIC, Emily Bentz, has been such a good friend --I mean mom-- to us.She is our biggest fan, our biggest emotional support, and such a good role model for me. Sometimes, I wanted to back out of writing because my articles weren't doing as well and I believed no one was reading my weekly newsletters. But, she lifted my spirits and I am so glad she did. I absolutely love writing for my community.
Although we have a small amount of writers and are representing a small college, we are in the top 10% based on page views and content creators keeping up with the weekly deadline. Even our ME is engaged with our conversations! Wesley College is the first to actually become a school organization, which is a pretty big deal. We're pretty serious about this. And I sincerely love all of you guys.
Love,
Brooke James (SMD).
