Every week -- multiple times every week, in fact -- I find myself sitting in front of my computer, my fingertips poised above the keyboard. It's time to write.

There are so many ways to leave your mark on this planet. I think there is no more beautiful a method than writing.

I like to call it "an observatory of your soul," wherein you are simply projecting your inner constellations by transcribing them into words on a page. It's funny how the twenty-six letters of our alphabet can work together with ten digits and some punctuation symbols to create endless stories; it's also a shame how many people lack the courage to tell their own story.

So here I am, telling you to tell your story to the world.

As the new Onboarding Specialist of my Odyssey community, I get the opportunity to reach out and recruit new members to our team. It's a position that excites me; I know countless people in my life who have the potential and ability to take on the role of an Odyssey Creator. If you're even slightly interested in taking a position, let me know. I can promise you it's worth your time.

In case I haven't convinced you, here are some things I've gained in just a few short years from writing with Odyssey that I would have never learned elsewhere:

1. I have a voice.

People who knew me before I started writing know that I used to be an awful public speaker and opinion-voicer. I used to be scared, self-conscious, and always wanting to please everyone. After I started writing for the Odyssey, I learned that I had a voice that could not -- and would not -- be quieted down.

2. Going off of that, I'm not afraid to argue.

I think there's incredible value in disagreement and discussion; I think there's treasure hidden in debate. Though I'm still more eloquent with writing words than speaking them, I've found my voice and have begun to project it proudly.

3. In fact, I know how to make a convincing argument.

Writing makes you do your research and know your audience well. Any claim I make, I can support with personal experience or others' experiences that I've learned about. One of my proudest moments was when I swayed someone to donate blood by sending them an email with statistics about Michigan Blood.

4. I've learned to write all sorts of different things.

My first article came straight out of a handwritten journal entry, and I've come so far since. I constantly have inspiration -- I write about what's on my mind. From cross country articles to weird insights on traveling to open letters to my parents, I've covered a vast expanse of my soul. I've "broken up" with the love of my life and almost had to say goodbye to my brother, multiple times. While I was in China, I did a mini-series on life across the world, like this testimony to herbal medicine, this quick character study, or this anecdote about my mom being not just my hero, but someone else's, too. Most recently, I've begun a series on sociolinguistics. It's an incredible growing process to write about so many topics.

5. There's a whole team of people who support me.

Odyssey has not only given me a platform to grow upon, it has given me a community. Every member of our team is welcoming and friendly -- but will also give you their honest opinions if you need them. At the end of the day, the Grand Rapids Odyssey team is a family.

Again, this position could be for you! You will gain so much from it -- more than I could possibly describe.

Peace out, Cub Scouts. Contact me if you're interested in joining the fam.

- your new Onboarding Specialist, Irene Greenbean