The Colgate Odyssquad is an elite task force of passionate writers, comprised of all class years, cliques, clubs, and cohorts. Established in August 2015, our team has worked hard to achieve journalistic integrity and bring unheard voices to the forefront of our small community and share their words across the world wide web. Welcome to the Writer Showcase Series, where we introduce you to our staff the best way we know how - in 500 words.

JC: So Creator Kate, where are you from?

KB: Dedham, MA

JC: You’ve had an entire year of self-discovery here at Colgate I assume? What do you intend on majoring in?

KB: English: Creative writing

JC: Cool beans. Besides writing for Colgate’s premier Odyssquad, what else are you involved in on campus?

KB: The Network, DoRAK, The Beauty Project, and I dabble in intramural volleyball

JC: I see. So I’m a freshman and haven’t been at Colgate for very long, tell me what there is to love about this place?

KB: I love how driven everyone is. Yes, the party culture is real but it never overshadows the passion for academics. Everyone also really cares about themselves and I mean that in a good way. In an environment where the pressure could be crushing and turn us all into zombies, everyone is still involved in so many other things and putting their physical and mental health first.

JC: As a freshman, and sufferer of kinemortophobia, that is reassuring. So now, tell me what you love about Odyssey?

KB: I love our community specifically. There are some extremely talented writers who inspire me with their thoughts and writings every single week. I find myself scrolling through the spreadsheet all the time thinking "damn, that's amazing" or "that makes me think of this..." As someone who's trying to grow as a writer, Odyssey is the perfect place to be.

JC: Agreed. Odyssquad sure is poppin. What's something that makes you excited about life in general?

KB: Success. Not even my own but I love seeing people in my life (even people I only kind of know) achieve their goals in whatever it is they participate in. Michael Phelps doing anything, Aly Raisman during a floor routine, my friends in their classes, my sister in school, etc.

JC: That is very respectable Kate. I hope to you accomplish the same level of success as those you just named. What's your favorite thing you've written for Odyssey?

KB: I liked writing my piece about the drunk driver. I tried a new style and tried to tell a story instead of reporting or making an argument. It was a moment that grabbed me and I put in a lot of effort with that piece.

JC: That was indeed quite the article, I give you props. What's your favorite thing you've read on Odyssey?

KB: "Anti-Party Party Anthem" by Julia Cooper. She really killed that one and I still think about it when new songs are released with a similar thing. It's one thing to notice a trend but quite another to flag a new era that has only gained traction.

JC: Well, that wasn’t an article I wrote, but I’ll say it’s a good choice. Why do you want to see others write for Odyssey?

KB: My bio says "everyone has a long story." It's something I've always believed especially as I've gotten older. Everyone has a story to tell, at least one, and stories should be told by definition.

JC: That is so true, and your articles leave me and everyone wanting to hear more of your story. Anything else about yourself that you think your readers should know?

KB: Two things: One. I'm really bad at pronouncing my first name...everyone always thinks I'm saying "Katen." The first couple times you think to yourself, "wow, what ignorance" but at this point I have to consider that it's a me problem. Two. I've never run a full mile before this summer. Running for me is never pretty.

JC: Well Katen, it’s a good thing writing doesn’t consist of much running. I’m glad I am able to join you in your Odyssey journey! Colgate Odyssquad Unite!

Read Kate’s articles here and follow her on Instagram @kbussey9789
To request an invitation to the Colgate Odyssquad, follow this link.