Many people ask me exactly what Odyssey is and why I spend time creating content for it. I always struggle to answer, because the Odyssey embodies so many things to me. The best way I can word it is that it's an online writing platform for college students that requires no experience, no talent, and no skill. Weird, right?
Odyssey is so different than any other writing platform because you don't have to be studying anything close to journalism or English. It doesn't matter if you label yourself "untalented" or "inexperienced" because as a writer, you're putting yourself out there in a vulnerable position and opening your arms towards growth in this experience, which is courageous. Odyssey gives me the opportunity to be a part of something greater. Every writer is in a completely different stage of their own personal writing career. Everyone has their own ideas, experiences and writing styles. It helps you to become more in tune with diversity and accepting those who are different from you and may not agree with you. In addition, being able to say you write for one of the leading social content forms in the world is just a little-added perk. A huge advantage is that there is minimal editing involved in the content. Most authors rarely have the opportunity to share their unedited writing. I love that it's recognized that each content creator has their own voice and the freedom to express absolutely anything that they want. Here at Odyssey, we value one another's voice instead of a misplaced comma.
I have absolutely no credibility or experience, it's simply just my heart and creativity. I think one of the best things about writing for Odyssey is that you don't have to come in with a lengthy resume, experience, or even any writing talent at all. Odyssey leaves room to grow, space to improve and an opening to learn. It's a very come-as-you-are environment that I find very supportive. It's a really small thing that I do in college, but honestly one of the most meaningful. Before I committed to writing, I felt hesitant and was holding myself back; was anyone REALLY going to care about what I have to say? Were people actually going to click on my articles and their lack of clickbait? Then I remembered all of the writers I look up to and how I always look forward to seeing another post. I want to be that writer for someone else. Odyssey articles I would read weren't always my style, but they always offered up a different perspective and made me think and make room for open-mindedness.
Odyssey gives me the freedom to write about anything I'm passionate about; I'm able to connect with any audience I want to target and speak to many different people. Personally, what inspires me to write for Odyssey is knowing that my article has probably helped or influenced at least one single person, which makes it all worth it. Writing has helped me learn a lot about myself. I've got an idea of what my writing style is and the audience I tend to target. For me personally, I have a huge heart for women. I love writing to believers and the broken-hearted. But that's just me. What's your passion? What's your motive and what inspires you? Whatever it is, at Odyssey, you're invited to bring it to the table.
