I knew from a very young age that creative expression was my outlet. The exact medium of this expression has changed from year to year, but it has always been there. For a while I fell into theater, I spent years focusing on dancing and I thought, for a thankfully brief time, that maybe I could draw (I was frighteningly wrong), but I have ended up here - here at writing. It kind of seems inevitable.

I remember very distinctly the role books played in my adolescence. Literature defined my relationship with my grandmother and made school enjoyable. I loved escaping in the stories of others, learning about the world through miraculous tales of love and tales of tragedy. It taught me how to see the good in a poisoned world. Books were a safe haven and always had a new twist to tell, even the story might be the same. I may have always loved reading, but it took a while longer to see the beauty in writing, and even longer to admit that I might want to do it. I have Odyssey to thank for much of that.

As I write my last official article for Odyssey after nearly two years of being part of the incredible organization, I can't help but reflect on all I have learned. As a result of my work with Odyssey, I have written more than ever in my life, which spurred on writing in other areas of my life. This year I found poetry, and wrote a short book that got published. I have learned that what I have to say is valid. Writing consistently has taught me to stretch the limits of what I am comfortable talking about. I learned that my words have as much value as any other person's, so long as I take the time to prepare them. More so, writing about my opinions and feelings has paved the way for my ability to talk about my beliefs. I am able to voice my thoughts and share them with others using a new confidence that I did not previously have. This is a skill I will carry with me through college and far beyond.

So, thank you, Odyssey for the years you have given me. I will take what you have granted me and use the unique perspective I offer in the world to make a mark. As I leave, I implore everyone to write and embrace your voice. Write for yourself, write for others, write for peace of mind or write so that one day you can look back and remember a moment in time. Just write. Every voice is valid and has something to offer, including, and especially, yours.