When I first applied to write for Odyssey I was SO EXCITED. I love their articles, sharing multiple ones on Facebook daily. Then I received an email asking if I was interested in being the Contributing Editor, of course I said yes!
My Odyssey dreams soon crumbled when friends of mine expressed concerns about the lack of pay, yet I had to be writing every week. Even though thoughts of Ponzi Schemes crept into my mind, I stayed on the team, grateful for the opportunity to write. Staying on has been one of the best decisions I have made.
Every week I am able to write about literally anything under the sun. If I want to be political one week and meme trash the next, I absolutely can! There are no restrictions on genre of writing, giving me the freedom to explore my writing interests. I'm also being pushed to write every week, something I would set aside if I didn't have an obligation to write, even though it is something I love.
With the title of "Odyssey" attached to my work, it is automatically being shared on a platform people recognize. This is a wonderful opportunity to get my name out in the world as a writer, one that makes not being paid by the hour worth it. This is an internship anyway. Unpaid internship: check that off the college bucket list!
Every day I am inspired by the amazing team I work with. As an editor, not only am I writing for Odyssey, but I am also able to read the articles my peers write before they go live. As well as work with my amazing Editor-in-Chief, who always keeps me laughing and in awe of her organizational skills. We have such a wide range of writers who have amazing insights on the world, every week I learn something new and am opened up to a new viewpoint on the way the world works. This is another invaluable experience.
My writing impacts people. When someone tells me that they read my article, it means the world to me. Whether they were moved by my opinion on the education system or enjoyed the Buzz Feed links I put together, my thoughts are reaching others and making a difference. Ultimately, as a writer, that is all I can ask for.
So when people ask me why I write for Odyssey, I use to answer "because they let me," but now I can say "go check out my article on it." Writing for Odyssey is a learning experience, one that teaches me something new every day.
If you think that this experience might be one you desire, here is a link to apply to become a writer yourself and have your written word impact the world around you.
