Dear Editor and Chief,

I still remember the very first email that I sent you letting you know about my interest in writing and that I would like to be apart of your Odyssey team. You were so welcoming and that really made me want to be apart of it even more. I officially sent in my application(after a few technical difficulties) and you got back to me within hours. You interviewed me and I finally received a writing position on your team. I remember going to my mom right after the interview at around 11:30 at night, whispering, "mom, I got it." And her telling me, "Okay honey, congrats! But you have to get to bed because you have work tomorrow." I was so excited.

When I finally entered college, I knew I already had one friend, that was you. I would still text you for about a month after I was accepted as a writer. I just had so many questions and wanted my articles to be the best they could be. I'm sorry if I ever annoyed you with all of my questions.

When I wanted a day extension for my article for whatever reason, I was scared to text you. I didn't know how you would react and I didn't want to make you mad. During my freshman year, there was week in particular, that I needed an extension. And that was when I was going through the majority of my roommate problems and pulling all nighters in the lounge. I told you that, and you very understanding and offered a shoulder to cry on, which I really appreciated.

Down the road, I wrote more stories about things that really stood out to me. When I would get celebrity re tweets or a certain amount of views on an article, I felt on top of the world. You gave me such a welcoming environment which also added on to that.

When you appointed me to be contributing editor, I was so happy. I had worked hard at something for a little bit less then a year and my accomplishments and my work were recognized in such an amazing way. I didn't think that would ever be possible. However, the training of that was a little hard, considering I am a dinosaur when it comes to computers. You worked your magic, to finally help me learn everything I needed to know. It wasn't until the 5th time you explained it to me, that I finally understood it(lol).

To this day, I still get told that my writing is weak, or that I still need help with it. Or, that I'm not ready to take on bigger tasks when it comes to writing.

At least I have the Odyssey to back up. I also have you to tell me that none of those things are true. You are more than an editor and chief to me. You're my friend and I think I knew that since the very first email. So, thank you.

Love,

Your Contributing Editor and Writer