You certainly know how to kick my ass, but I'm definitely grateful for it.
About a year ago, I started writing for The Odyssey. At first I was hesitant, I didn't think that I would have time, or be a good enough writer to be part of this kind of community. But as time went on, I started to love it more and more, and now it's a huge part of my life.
After summer, we got a new Editor in Chief. Our former one who graduated passed on the torch to someone who became a good friend, a mentor, and someone I truly admire.
I remember the first week I started writing for our new EIC. I was having the WORST week of my life, my boyfriend had just dumped me (I look back on it now and say good riddance), and I was really sick. I just had nothing to write about, and no motivation. So, I let our new EIC know. She was understanding, but pushed me and challenged me to get an article in still, just late. At first I was like "ugh, come on dude, can't you give me a break?" But, with her pushing and challenging, I found strength. I ended up getting my article in on time that week and I was proud of myself.
Flash forward to September/October. I had been writing for about 6 months now, and I love it. I find a lot of peace in writing and feel that I can get my voice heard in a way that I didn't know was possible. My EIC requests to meet with me, saying she has something she needs to talk to me about. At first, being the anxious person I am, I think I did something wrong. So walking into this meeting, nervous as hell, I sit down. She starts to tell me that I'm really consistent with my writing, I write quality content, and she wants to know if I would like to join the editing team. However, my role would be special, I would be focusing on sharing our articles on social media and getting people to read them. Ecstatic and relieved, of course I said yes.
My EIC, Emily, and I continue to communicate all the time, and hang out every now and again. Since I'd turned 21, we went out for drinks a few times and got to be pretty close.
Flash forward to now. It's April, graduation is in a few weeks, the school year is ending, and Emily has entrusted in me the role of being EIC. The Odyssey is a community that Emily has been involved with for a long time now, and she refers to our team as "her baby." She loves each and every one of us, and is always there when we need inspiration or just to vent. I'm so glad she's still staying on our editing team, because I've learned so much from her and continue to learn more all the time.
Emily, thank you so much for all you've done for me. I know you and I are opposite in a lot of ways, but we compliment each other in the best ways. I'm so proud to have been a part of your team, and I promise I'll take care of it! Thank you for the amazing opportunity, I'm so grateful to have a friend like you.
