As of Monday, 3/14 I decided to step down from my position as editor-in-chief of the Muhlenberg Odyssey, and leave the writing organization altogether. However, I plan on exploring other writing paths, with my pen, paper, and laptop in hand. It is bittersweet to leave this beloved treasure behind, in search of other unopened chests. However, and the beloved children's author, Dr. Sues once wisely said, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Odyssey has been an incredible experience, starting from the first moment I had my interview to become a content creator for the team. So, in honor of the next journey ahead, I have decided to dedicate my last article to the Muhlenberg Odyssey.
Dear Muhlenberg Odyssey,
I've ended another story in my never-ending book, and have titled your chapter of the story as, A Writing Adventure Begins. When I first began as a content creator myself, I was overwhelmed with fascination and creativity. There were multiple articles to be typed. Thoughts to be expressed. News articles that needed to reach the millennial generation. I can recall the first listicle I had ever written titled, Top Ten Reasons to Go on Birthright in College. I remember the hours dedicated to researching important facts about Israel, finding pictures/gifs/memes that paired perfectly with each sub-headline, as well as trying to come up with an argument for each sub-headline about traveling with Birthright. My strenuous endeavors (and extreme consumption of coffee) were a huge benefit in the long run. My article began gaining popularity. Friends, family members, and even complete strangers from social media began reposting my article. As a result, my article reached over sixty shares. I felt proud with the dedication I had placed in my piece.
During the last week of October, I received a phone call from my previous assisting manager, Courtney from the Odyssey headquarters that I was being promoted to editor-in-chief. I remember the butterflies that began rapidly increasing inside of my stomach. My mom was the first one to receive the joyful news (along with the majority of my relatives and friends). From day one, I felt blessed with this incredible leadership opportunity. I had found my writing passion, and an audience.
However, Muhlenberg Odyssey would not be complete without my devoted and amazing content creators. To my content creators, thank you for making every moment at Odyssey into everlasting memories. You all have diverse stories to tell, which made writing for our Odyssey even more rewarding. Our monthly meetings, and lunch/coffee get togethers have been some of my favorite parts with getting to know each and everyone of you. Your visions for each article has further sparked the beauty of the Muhlenberg Odyssey, and assisted in breaking away your writing shells. I look forward to reading your articles in the future, and seeing you shine as content creators. You've become more than content creators, but rather my Muhlenberg Odyssey family.
Muhlenberg Odyssey, I will never forget this amazing experience. Thank you for molding me into the writer I am today, as well as the writer I will be in the future.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Liebman, former writer of the Odyssey.