I work for the on-campus newspaper, the Rice Thresher, and my fellow editors have absolutely zero qualms bluntly asking why I work for Odyssey. I've realized in my almost one year with Odyssey that it has, well, a bit of a mixed reputation, to put it lightly. Especially recently, I've seen a number of snide comments regarding the publication, ranging from slightly lighter jibes about writers being basic b*tches to full-fledged insults criticizing the intelligence of anyone associated with Odyssey. Some individuals are apparently so passionate about their hatred for Odyssey that they've written actual articles detailing reason (read: complaint) after reason for their feelings.

So as a writer, why do I write for Odyssey? Why do I work for it? Why do I, from some people's points of view, "sell out"?

The whole point of Odyssey is to provide a platform through which you can share your thoughts — on anything at all. Yes, there’s a system of management there, and in that it’s obviously different from something like the Medium (which I love) which is basically pure, unadulterated public forum for opinions; but, this management exists because Odyssey is also a social platform. It’s simultaneously a way for you to formulate your opinions into something (hopefully) coherent, while also a way to learn how to market that opinion, and thus your writing, and thus yourself.

It’s true that there’s less than desirable content on Odyssey. But so what? The issue I have with so many outlets these days is there always seems to be some kind of political agenda present. And the reason the detestable articles exist on the Odyssey page is also the very reason the best articles exist — articles about female genital mutilation, queer identity, body image, large- and small-scale political issues. In all honesty, I think it’s important to realize that there are educated people out there who still believe in regressive principles — who think that college tuition shouldn’t be free, or that people shouldn’t be feminists. Those articles get exposure because many people probably didn’t previously realize that such opinions were even possible still in this modern day and age.

We think we all agree, in our respective liberal, idealistic, millennial bubbles, but believe it or not, someone sitting next to you, who might be the most brilliant academic you know, could very well hold an opinion completely opposite of yours. He/she could be wildly, radically liberal, or insanely conservative. And we wouldn’t know that without platforms like Odyssey.

One might argue, it’s better not to know, it’s better to stifle those opinions. But we probably wouldn’t really, truly realize the commitment to our beliefs without being challenged or presented with something we automatically deem preposterous, and then having to explain exactly why it is we find it ridiculous. I think most people would agree that there are very few things you can simply accept at face value. As humans, we’re meant to constantly question, reformulate, reaffirm. There are so few things of which we can be completely certain. If no one else existed in the world but you, maybe you could be 100 percent positive about all your beliefs because you’re the only one around, and the only one who matters. But that’s obviously not the case.

I write for Odyssey, and yes, I acknowledge the existence of content that isn’t appealing to everyone — or even the majority, at times — but I respect the opportunity it provides. And I feel blessed to have it. I used to find myself ashamed to say that I use it as a primary outlet for my writing, but I've made my peace with others' judgment. You're allowed to not like Odyssey, but that shouldn't invalidate my writing, or me.

I’ve said it again and again: Odyssey has shown me that I can make a difference. Even when an article was shared by three people, some stranger might have stumbled across it and reached out to me via public comment or private message telling me I made a difference. Last December, I wrote about relationships in college and was contacted by a complete stranger telling me that she'd sent the article to her ex-boyfriend and that, because of what I'd said, they were reconsidering their breakup. Earlier last semester, I briefly reflected on my experience growing up in America as an East Asian American, and as a result received an incredible amount of feedback from friends of friends and people from across the globe alike, some of whom opened up to me and told me about their own experiences as perceived outsiders. A number of my fellow Rice team members, if not all, has had similar experiences. I had no idea we could be capable of this degree of outreach, and Odyssey allows absolutely anyone that opportunity.

I’m not an outspoken person. My opinions are slow to form, and I often am completely confused about what I truly believe in, and then sometimes I’m confused about my confusion. I would not be able to express myself to (at least moderate) satisfaction without something like Odyssey. Sometimes it’s not enough to blog privately, or jot things down in a journal. Sometimes I do want to circulate what I have to say. I never know who I might reach. That's the beauty of it, and for that I'm grateful.