I decided to start writing on Odyssey over last summer. I have always been an avid fan of the platform and no matter what I was feeling or going through at the time, I could always find a related article regarding a similar situation. Being able to read about how someone with a similar issue, emotion, or conflict feels and how they have dealt with it has always brought comfort to me, and I was inspired to do the same. Knowing that I'm not the only one going through a particular issue or feeling a certain way after reading such articles has always been able to put me at ease and help me figure out how to cope.

Since joining the Odyssey I have written 37 articles including this one. My style has evolved as well, from more politically-charged, news related articles to more emotional, personal pieces. The reasoning for this is because I have always found writing down my thoughts and feelings to be very therapeutic, and it also helps others going through similar things to know that they aren't alone, which, as I've previously mentioned, is why I wanted to write in the first place.

Yes, sharing my innermost personal thoughts and feelings publicly in this way has not been easy, and there's a sort of vulnerability that comes with doing this, but it has helped me so, so much and has given me a power I never before had. I also receive tremendous support from others who read my articles and then reach out to me with supportive words and helpful advice. Also, knowing that I personally have assisted others who are dealing with similar things is heartwarming and has only sparked my passion to continue writing more.

Likely the most rewarding part of writing for the Odyssey is how people on my campus, friends, and family, have reached out to me saying how much they love my writing and look forward to my weekly content. Some have even told me how inspiring some of my articles are and that they have personally helped them when dealing with a similar thing. That, to me, is the most motivating, encouraging reason why I keep writing.

However, it hasn't been all sunshine and flowers. I have been on the receiving end of quite a few harsh comments and complaints about my content, as yes, I do often write about controversial, heavy topics. Even some of my personal articles have been subject to tough criticism. There are people who feel that I have used the Odyssey as a way to "wrongly call people out" or to "get attention." But that is all wrong and farthest from the truth.

Yes, I have written personal articles about my struggles with things such as body image, anxiety, situations with people to name a few, but in no way was this a cry for attention or a written pity party. In no way was this ever an intention to hurt those who I wrote about. Rather, it has been a way for me to get my thoughts out and share my stories bravely with the world while also bringing myself inner peace.

Nothing I write has ever or will ever be a personal attack on anyone. All I have ever intended was to share personal anecdotes about times where I was dealing with a problem that was too big to handle alone.

Thank you so much to each and every one of you who has supported me thus far as an Odyssey writer. Your feedback has been tremendously helpful and I love knowing that I have inspired and assisted many of you through my writing. Every week when I share my content via social media, I am prepared for the comments, the criticism, the "thumbs up," and it is all part of this amazing, fulfilling opportunity to write for the Odyssey.

I hope to continue to be a helpful written resource for you all, and I want you all to know that you have sincerely helped me to become a better writer, work through any difficulties that I have written about, and provide me with constructive feedback on any political or opinion-based content.

If you are interested in becoming an Odyssey writer (Creator) yourself, click this link below to apply:

https://muse.theodysseyonline.com/apply