If you’re reading this article, then chances are you have probably seen other articles and heard of Odyssey before. These articles are all over different social media platforms, especially Facebook, every week. These articles cover anything and everything from life problems to college problems, life advice and relationship advice to politics and current events, and anything else you can think of. You read these articles, possibly relate to them and share them on your Facebook, other social media outlets, or with your friends/family. But, as you’re sharing these articles (along with your friends and family), do you ever stop and think about the people writing these articles?

Before I started writing for my university’s Odyssey team (about six or seven months ago), I never thought I would be offered and given the opportunity to become a writer for Odyssey. But one day, I was approached by my old editor-in-chief and given this opportunity, so I took it and ran with it and I have never looked back. And let me tell you, I could not be more thankful that I took the chance that day. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that anybody can be part of their university’s Odyssey team and I have a few reasons why you should consider being part of yours.

1. Odyssey has become a well-known platform.

Odyssey began only two years ago (June 2014, to be exact), and in those short two years, it already has gained over 1,000 communities and over 12,000 writers. Odyssey is continuing to grow rapidly (according to Odyssey's website, it reaches over 30 million users per month and has over 50,000 articles written and shared each month) and the opportunities are endless.

2. YOU can write about what YOU want.

This is one of the many reasons I love writing for Odyssey. I love that Odyssey doesn't have a bunch of specific guidelines telling me what I can and can't write about. Because Odyssey allows me to have my own voice, I am able to use it to write for people that feel like they don’t have a voice. It allows me to write what I am feeling and every time I write something, I hope that I can help at least one person and that they will be able to relate to what I am writing. Being able to do that for others is one of the things I am most thankful Odyssey has given me.

3. Odyssey is a great way to build your résumé

For me, as a communication major, Odyssey has been a great way to start building my résumé. But Odyssey looks good on a résumé even if you are not a communication major. Odyssey provides skills that look good on any résumé, honestly. Odyssey provides skills like critical thinking, time management, etc.

4. Odyssey can provide connections and opportunities.

With over 12,000 writers and over 1,000 communities, the opportunities and connections Odyssey can provide are endless. I started writing for Odyssey at the beginning of my second semester of my freshman year (about six or seven months ago). About two months ago I was given the opportunity to become a contributing editor, and just last week I was given the opportunity to be my community's editor in chief. So, I know from personal experience that Odyssey offers an endless amount of opportunities if you want them and work for them. Also, since you write an article every week, there is no doubt that the connections are endless too! Odyssey also offers more than just local opportunities, there are internships and national opportunities available.

5. Odyssey is a great way to get involved on campus.

Because your Odyssey team is made up of people that attend the same university as you, it is a GREAT way to get involved and make new friends. Especially if you're an incoming freshman, I highly recommend looking into applying to be part of your university's Odyssey team!

6. You can make money.

There are two ways to make money by being a writer for Odyssey:

1. At the end of each week the writer that has the most view for his/her article gets $20 that week.

2. Odyssey has an incentive program that is based off of how many views your articles get each month. So, based on your views, you can make anywhere from $15 to $1,000 every month. Who couldn't use a little extra cash every month?

7. You can use Odyssey as your own personal outlet.

There are times when I know I need to a way to vent and Odyssey has given me a way to do so. And by being able to vent through writing and publishing an article with Odyssey, it also gives me the chance to possibly help other people. It is never a for sure thing that somebody will relate to my problems are and/or what is going on in my life, but there is always that possibility. I have the chance to use my article to connect with and help people that are struggling with what I am struggling with at the time, whether that be life, other people, themselves, or just anything really. I am a firm believer that everyone needs someone, and if I can be someone that writes something that a person who needs it can relate to so that they don’t feel alone, then I have done so much more than just write an article. When my friends, my parents’ friends, or random people on Facebook tell me that they have seen and read my articles online and loved them or related to them, it means the world to me. It makes me happy to know that I am making a difference in somebody’s life doing what I love.

So, if any of the reasons above interest you, if you want to speak your mind, if you want to be able to share a letter to your ex or current boyfriend/girlfriend, your ex or current best friend, or your parents, I urge you to look into applying to be part of your university’s Odyssey team. I promise you that joining Odyssey will be one of the best decisions you can make during your college career and beyond.

To join Odyssey, visit their website to become a writer!