When I first heard there was going to be an Odyssey team at NDSU, I was excited. I wasn't excited because I knew I wanted to get involved right at that moment, but because I was pumped to see what the team would publish for articles. When my closest friends told me to join, and convinced me I would be a great asset to the team, I was skeptical. It took this individual's non-stop begging and pleading to get me to even think about joining. I literally mean non-stop. Endless texts about applying and the first thing they always said to me was, "Hey, are you going to join Odyssey yet?"
I want to take a second to give my endless amounts of thanks to this person. Thank you for getting on my nerves. Thank you for begging me to become a writer for Odyssey. You saw something within me that I didn't see within myself at that time. You saw a girl who had a voice that needed to be heard. Thank you for always giving me article ideas and supporting my thoughts.
I'm am extremely glad I have the opportunity to call myself an Odyssey writer and here is why:
1. I get to be a part of an organization much bigger than myself
Odyssey gets over 30 million unique views a month. There are more than 10,000 writers just like myself, across the country. Give me a list of media and news companies that can compete with that? You can't find one. We are bigger than the New York Times, CNN News and basically any other media related companies. That's amazing and I get to be a part of it!
More than half of Odyssey writers are between the ages of 18 and 24. This is a movement of educated and inspiring young adults. College students who actually care about the world around them and want to make the world better. Find a company that can get 30 million views a month AND can say they consist of mostly college aged students. You can only find one, and that's Odyssey.
2. I'm a child development major, in a sea full of communication, English and journalism majors
I bring a completely different perspective to the table. I'm the odd one out and I'm OK with it. I feel writers gain something from my articles that they can't from an English, communication or journalism major. My ideas and articles are unique and I love it.
3. I get to inspire others
Usually after a new article of mine is published, I get a few Facebook messages or comments thanking me for what I wrote. I was also told a few weeks ago that my article "How My Childhood Helped Me Choose My Major" was one of the best they have ever read. They explained to me that they loved it because it gave them a sense of purpose they didn't see within themselves. My heart overflows with happiness every time I get reader to tell me that they loved my article or could relate to it in some way. I can't even begin to explain how great I feel to hear kind words like that.
4. With my hectic life, it's a tiny time commitment
I'm a college student. My schedule is hectic. Trying to balance my classes, a social life, sleep and all other necessities is hard. When I was debating joining the team at NDSU I kept thinking, "Will I even have time for this?" The answer is yes. I barely dedicate two hours of my time to Odyssey a week, and that's an overstatement! It's so easy to stay involved. I get to watch my articles influence others in the comfort of my own bed.
5. I will be remembered as the first team of writers at NDSU
I think this last reason all around is something to be proud of.
I'm glad I joined Odyssey when I did and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world. I'm so happy I made the choice to become a team member. If you have loved reading any articles published by Odyssey, you should definitely apply. It is a choice you will never regret.
