In today's day and age, we find ourselves on our phones and computers more often. No longer do we go to the newspaper for information and articles-- we reach for the Internet.
When you write for Odyssey, you become a part of what people reach for. You become a source: a source of information, opinion, or anything else.
Odyssey is more than just a blog entry or a rant on any social media platform. Odyssey is something much, much bigger than that. Odyssey is a place of coming together-- the creators, the readers, everything-- it all comes together.
Us who already write for Odyssey can tell you that it is so much more than writing an article every week. It's the bonding of a group of people who otherwise wouldn't have met. It's learning how to have your voice be heard through a platform with those who both think alike and different from yourself. It's learning how to come up with relatable topics, factual point of views, and everything in between.
We can also tell you that Odyssey is a safe space. Odyssey does not discriminate against anyone's ideas or opinions. We let each other roam free with our topics and articles because we feel it is safe to do so.
Odyssey is diverse, as well. From those involved in social justice, to those in the LGBTQ+ community, those in Greek organizations, to folks who just really like writing, and everyone in between. We are all here. And we are all important parts to each of our communities.
There are hundreds of Odyssey communities at several different schools, in varying states, with over 15,000 creators. All of us with differing opinions, points of view, experiences, etc.
Our community here at Eastern Michigan University has 23 creators out of those 15,000 previously mentioned. All 23 of us respect each other. All 23 of us enjoy each others ideas. All 23 of us support each other.
Unlike many places, Odyssey isn't competitive. There is no feeling of "my article is better than yours" or "I'm a better writer than you." Odyssey-- especially the EMU community-- is welcoming, warm, and some of the nicest and most genuine people I have met at my time at EMU.
I've held many jobs. I've met thousands of people. Some places don't feel like I belong. Some places I feel as though I'm not appreciated for what I and the others give to it.
With Odyssey, I feel like I belong. There is a sense of appreciation and belonging with every Creator, every Editor-in-Chief, every Contributing Editor, and all the other folks involved in the realm of Odyssey.
This is why I write for Odyssey. And this is why I'll encourage anyone else to join our team or the team nearest them. It's an experience you can't forget.
