Odyssey has been a part of my school for about a year now, and it's crazy to see how much our team has grown from the beginning. When I first joined Odyssey, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I saw a lot of articles on Facebook, but I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity to be a Content Creator. When I saw that Odyssey from my school was looking for Content Creators, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Writing has always been my strong suite, so being able to have a platform to voice my opinion was extremely important to me. A few months have passed, and our Editor in Chief decided to step down -- little did I know she had me in mind to take over the team. Boy, did I have no idea what was in store for me!

When I became EIC for Odyssey, our team was still small. It took a lot of time, and effort, to get our team to grow, but in the process, I made some lasting friendships. I had no idea how much this team would grow on my heart when I first joined.

To my Odyssey team (we like to call ourselves "Squaddysey"): Thank you for being the best team I could ever dream of. Thank you for being not only my Content Creators, but my friends. I couldn't be more blessed to be involved with a team that doesn't only care for the site, but cares for each other even more. Our wine nights, and writing nights, have quickly become some of my most fond memories. I love that I have gotten to know each one of you. Getting to know your writing styles has been so fun, but getting to know your hearts has become my favorite part. You all have shown me that it is OK to disagree with someone, and you all do it with such great poise and elegance that it is inspiring. I can't begin to explain how grateful I am for you all. If anyone in our team is having a bad day, it's so awesome that we can just go to the group and immediately have our frowns turned upside down. You all were there for me when I didn't really have a whole lot of people left to turn to, and your friendship to me is worth more than diamonds. I want you all to know how much worth each of you has. I want you to know that you can move mountains if you wanted to. I want you to know that you could be the next president; the next politician; the next top journalist. You all will be beautiful teachers, incredible police officers, and amazing interior designers. I know deep in my heart that no matter what path you decide to choose for yourself, that you will be the best at it. I can't wait to look back when I'm older at everything you've all accomplished, and be so proud that at one moment in time, I got to be there to experience your greatness. You all give "Odyssey Over Everything" a whole new meaning. Thank you for being my family.

To my Managing Editor: Thank you for being the literal best. You are seriously a huge part of why our team runs so smoothly, and I couldn't thank you enough for all the help you give me. Our team loves you more than anything, and we always talk about how wonderful you are. Thank you for the endless list of article ideas, the never-ending encouragement, and the millions of GIFS you grace us with daily. You're incredible, and Odyssey is lucky to have a person like you working for them!

To anyone on the fence about joining Odyssey: Please don't waste this opportunity. You will never be able to fully understand the beauty of this platform until you get to experience it for yourself. Become a part of a team that uplifts each other, that cares for each other, and loves each other. You get out of it what you put into it, and I promise it could quite easily change your life.

https://muse.theodysseyonline.com/apply

"We are not a team because we work for each other. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other." -- Vala Afshar