Writing has always been a huge part of my life subconsciously. For as long as I can remember, I used to write stories on my computer and in notebooks. They were complex with characters who had quests, adventures, or conflicts. The stories spread over multiple genres, like fantasy, young adult, horror, and science fiction. I enjoyed the rush I got when I was able to pour my creativity out on paper or digitally. It's a feeling of euphoria that lasts longer than a high after a run or taking a drug. Writing shaped my childhood, but I gave it up once I started high school.

When high school came along, writing felt like a chore. We were forced to write persuasive essays, research papers, and book analyses. Nothing in that four years that I wrote gave me that same feeling that I used to experience when I was a child. I felt trapped in my own thoughts because we weren't allowed to explore the depths of our minds when we wrote. In that time, I needed an outlet. I had lost my passion. I grew to despise writing because the purpose of it was for a good grade, and not for my own satisfaction.

After graduating from high school, those formal, boring papers came back to haunt me in college. I lost faith and became fearful that I would never be able to enjoy writing again. My anxiety crept up again like a snake slithering in the darkness. I thought I would be lost in the overload of my strenuous academic program. Then came the opportunity to apply to write for Odyssey.

Seeing people's Odyssey articles gave me a spark of hope. I reconsidered writing as a hobby again because I missed the happiness that I felt while writing what my heart desired. I sent the application to apply to become a content creator in hopes of reliving my love for writing. I was fortunate enough to be offered a position in the Michigan State University community, and it has had nothing but positive effects on my life ever since.

The beauty of writing for Odyssey is that you can write about whatever you want without having to be supervised. The only regulations you have are from your editors, but they are there to make your articles even better; the rest is up to you. Ever since I started writing for Odyssey, I've felt so much happier because I know that I can write how I want again. My voice can be heard and displayed on an online platform with over 30 million viewers. Sure, I don't get paid to do it, but just having the ability to write is enough for me.

In July, I was blessed and completely surprised when I discovered that one of my articles was trending third on the entire site. It received more than 7,000 shares and views. I am so grateful to be able to share my writing with the world, and it shows that the world is interested in my work. I wouldn't have dreamed that something like this would happen in a million lifetimes.

I cannot thank Odyssey enough for the benefits and the freedom of writing about whatever my heart desires. Writing for Odyssey has made me fall in love with writing again. It feels good to know that anytime I have ideas bouncing around in my head or if I'm stressed, I can turn on my laptop and start writing. It's unreal to be able to whip out articles and get such positive feedback.

Why did I decide to write again? The answer is simple: I can't live without it. Without writing, I wouldn't be the person I am today.