I've always loved to write. Ever since I learned how to. I loved creating sentences and fantasy worlds that even if no one else read, I felt so happy to write. In middle school, my dream job was to be a published writer and my mom always told me I needed something else to fall back on.

I eventually moved on from my dreams of being a published author to becoming a molecular biologist, which in turn changed to becoming a theatre teacher.

But although my endgame has changed, writing is still a passion for me, not just a hobby.

I take pride in most of the essays I write for school because I know I write them well. I love pouring my creativity to paper and most of the time, type on my laptop. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own imagination, I start different stories while taking notes in class. I just recently started a story about woodland fairies.

I write for Odyssey specifically, to force me to write weekly. For a while, as I previously stated, I fell away from reading but I also fell away from writing. I was almost never writing for fun unless they were letters for my fiance, which I only write if we're celebrating something for each other. It forces me to get my creative juices flowing at least one part of the week.

Honestly, I write for Odyssey because I love to feel like my voice is heard, even by one or two people.

Writing what I feel comes naturally to me, and I never want to stifle my passion. I always want to continue to write, even if it only ever accumulates to writing for Odyssey and nothing more. At least, I'm writing.

I encourage you, fellow readers, to try writing. Even if you don't think you're good at it. Try online prompts of the day, or get a prompt book. It keeps your brain busy and you may just end up with a novel that hasn't been done before.