Odyssey is one of the fastest growing online platforms in the world, and if that doesn’t give you a clue as to why I’m involved, let me enlighten you.

Odyssey allows thousands of people to share their story and be a voice in this world, with the possibility of changing it. It gives people an outlet to share their opinions and express their ideas in way that wasn’t being done before. It is ever-growing and ever-changing, and that is why I want to be on board.

I spend hours writing, editing, talking to people, coaching and being coached, weekly. Why am I wasting my time on something that I don’t get paid for?

I started writing for Odyssey a few months after my sister died. I needed an outlet to express how I was feeling and how people experiencing grief need people to react to them. That was my first article. After that, I found out that I could be part of a team and submit an article weekly. While working toward a journalism degree, I thought it would be good experience.

Before Odyssey, I didn’t want to write. I wanted to do public relations work. I liked to write, but I didn’t want to do it for a living. Now, I do. I want to write, and I want to edit. Odyssey has allowed me to discover that.

After a few months of writing, the previous editor-in-chief asked me if I wanted to lead the team and take over the EIC role. I have had leadership experience in the past and enjoy editing, so I figured, why not? I could never have realized the journey this experience would take me on.

Since starting, I have completely revamped the team, bringing nine new content creators on board and showcase my own and the team’s work weekly.

I write for Odyssey because I see a future in it. Not only am I being able to practice my writing and editing skills weekly, I get to practice my leadership skills and gain valuable and marketable experience creating and sharing content for the world to see. My team is impacting people around us, and Odyssey is making that possible.

Odyssey has possible internships and future job opportunities for me down the road. I believe in this organization and what they’re doing. I can see myself with them in the future. I believe in the managing editors I’ve worked with and all the Odyssey staff. They’re growing me as a person, and for that, I’m grateful.

To Odyssey, thank you. You have energized my passion, and this is why I spend my time bettering my team to better my community.