I've been Editor in Chief now for a year, and it's been an interesting experience.
This wasn't the first time I was in this position, and it may not be the last time. If someone would've told me a few years ago that I'd not only be in charge of my high school newspaper, but also almost a year later, be in charge of The Odyssey at my community college, I would've called you crazy. I'm not the best leader. I'm not the best communicator, but every great one has had to learn just like I did. By being thrust into those positions and going with the flow of it. By using trial and error, and learning the process of what works for them and what doesn't. Becoming a leader doesn't happen over night.
When I embarked on this journey, I had no intention of gaining the EIC title again. I thought I'd left that back in my high school days, and was okay with not being in charge for a while. So when the position was offered to me, I hesitated. Starting a new thing, on a college campus with only about the population of my old high school, and knowing very few people was hard enough. Let alone being in charge of getting everything going from the ground up, alone. I just wanted to write, that's all. But, I took it, and what a journey it has been.
Along the way, I've met many different people. I've had varying number of creators. I've had the low moments, and the high moments. What I expected of this experience was nothing compared to what I actually received. I got to share my views, my opinions, my writing, which in the end was all I really wanted to do. I've learned so much more about being a leader, and actually leading a team. I've learned how to utilize social media to get things out there. And while I may not have achieved some of the goals I wanted too, I achieved the majority of them. I achieved much more than I ever thought I could.
As my time as Editor in Chief comes to end, I'm reflecting from where I started to where I've come. I'm so happy with the results. It's a bittersweet time, but bigger things are happening beyond me. Future plans are being formed and planned. I will always be grateful for my time working with The Odyssey, my managing editor, and my team of creators. I've always been told if I want to follow my dreams, I've got to put one foot in front of the other, and stick my head out there. I did that when it came to this, and I know it's going to pay off in the end.
So thank you to everyone who has been apart of this journey. It's been a great ride, but it's time for me to hop off and get on the next one. This may be the end of this, but something new is always around the corner. Always be on the look out for that open door.
