I remember when I first stumbled upon Odyssey. I was procrastinating studying for a test for a class I could have cared less about when I saw someone share “If Hollywood Actresses Went Greek.” Of course, wanting to know who they put in my sorority, I clicked on the link; and just like that, it all began.

I was journalism major struggling to understand AP Style and how to properly format a news piece. The work portion of my resume consisted solely of the five years of babysitting experience I had under my belt, where my responsibilities were anywhere from changing diapers to driving kids to swim team practice. When I would tell my teachers that I wanted to write for Rolling Stone, they would raise their eyebrows and laugh silently to themselves. “Internships, experience, internships, practice, experience,” was all they would tell me while handing back my pathetic and green resume. There were no open positions available at my school newspaper and not many publications wanted to give out a semester internship to someone with limited journalism coursework and no experience. I needed clips for my career and people to read my work for my self-esteem. Most people would have called me desperate, but I merely saw Odyssey as an opportunity, or maybe even a risk.

I remember looking through Odyssey website and seeing lots of BuzzFeed or Elite Daily-like articles. Columns that encouraged me to go abroad, GIF articles that made me laugh until tears filled my eyes and pages on pages of words that related to my everyday life as a college student. What I also found interesting was that there were news reports on things that were happening at communities across the country. Then the website started to make sense. Odyssey wasn’t like Buzzfeed or Elite Daily, these were students that were writing these pieces. Students like me, who needed a place to share their voice on a national platform. I couldn’t believe that over 20,000 people had shared Hannah Wilson's Story: It Could Happen to Anyone, meaning thousands more must have seen it. Or that 309,000 people had shared Why We Need To Start Dating Again. Without thinking twice, I submitted my embarrassing resume and crossed my fingers when I hit apply.

In late September, it will have been year since my first Odyssey article was published. Before I started writing, I saw it as an opportunity that could boost my resume and give me a couple of clips to show future employers. As a writer, I worked diligently to think of new article ideas and connect with my audience. However when I was promoted to Editor In Chief of the Arizona campus, I saw a whole new side of Odyssey. I no longer saw a website that held my words, but instead I got the opportunity to watch from behind the scenes and see just how hard everyone works to keep the site running each and every day. I have seen Odyssey grow from the small start-up it began as, to the 10+ million (and growing) reader success it is today.

And just like my mom taught me growing up, you have to find a way to thank everyone whoever helped you along the way to your dream. So this one's for you, Odyssey.

Thank you for not only providing me with the experience I so desired, but also giving me something to call my mom excited about each and every week. I will never forget the first time one of my articles was shared 100 times, or the first time my article was shared 1000 times. The day a random person Facebook messaged me to tell me they liked my writing still brings a smile across my lips. I get tears in my eyes when I think about that random frat guy who gave me a hug and said he loved my latest article and wouldn't miss reading another one. You have given me something to brag about and I am unbelievably proud to say I work for Odyssey.

A big shout out to my Managing Editor Kate Waxler who has been with me every step of the way since; you are the number one homie. Then to Adrian France; our Beyonce love means a great deal to me, but I cannot thank you enough for supporting me through the State Farm challenge. I think I speak for all Odyssey writers when I thank you for the community you have given me. You have created a network of students who are connected through all the hard work we have put in for the last year to get Odyssey where it is today, and we couldn’t be more proud. You also have given us the opportunity to write freely and explore whatever our hearts desire, and we thank you for that.

Lastly, thank you Odyssey for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream of writing about music and giving me a place to share it with the world. From my Mumford and Sons album reviews to the Krewella interview you helped me land, you have have given me a glimpse into the career I hope to one day pursue. This past year, I have dedicated so much time and energy into you and I can easily say that every minute was worth it. You have truly changed my life and I will forever be grateful to you. Stay excellent and keep prospering. Couldn't be more proud to be apart of the #Oddsquad.