It seems the perfect way to end my time as an Odyssey creator is to write about it. If you ever consider writing for The Odyssey, which I suggest you do, join a community.
I had the privilege of writing for Aspiring Journalism Professionals with my Editor-in-Chief, and now president of AJP, Bri Cicero.
Bri and my AJP family have taught me how to be a better writer, how to write an engaging headline and how to share my content on social media. As a student journalist, the most important thing I can learn is how to make a deadline. AJP has held me accountable if I don't meet deadlines and helped me to edit my articles to perfection before submission.
I recruited potential creators to join AJP. I was incredibly happy that as many people were as enthusiastic about writing as I was.
While I was first starting out as an Odyssey creator, I was naturally curious about who was writing and why.
I came upon a piece from The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's student newspaper, The Spectator.
I wasn't surprised she was appalled by two articles entitled "Things Trump Supporters Are Tired Of Hearing" and "I Am A Female And I Am So Over Feminists."
I can't blame her, both completely lack any journalistic tone.
Pieces of journalism should be unbiased and non-accusatory. Good journalism is about giving citizens the facts they need to make well-informed decisions.
There are five core principles of journalism: truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity and accountability.
There should be no ulterior motives for writing a story. When there is a political, corporate or cultural backing to a story, it is no longer the work of a journalist.
As much as I can agree with this student, I don't agree that The Odyssey is nothing more than a blog where people's stories are unimportant, especially when the community is targeted toward young journalists.
Attacking The Odyssey only discourages young journalists like me and my AJP family.
Considering most of us are going to school for mass communications, we understand The Odyssey shouldn't be used as the most reliable news network.
Being part of Aspiring Journalism Professionals has been a gift these past five months. I have had so many family and friends come up to me and praise me for my articles. For the personal ones, I've received lots of gratitude for writing something so heartfelt and relatable.
My article about being a commuter and my message to my middle school bully were the most rewarding to write. I am forever grateful for everyone's kind words.
Great thanks and eternal love for my AJP family. I will miss writing with you all, side by side. Although my time with The Odyssey is coming to an end, I will never stop writing. And neither should my forever friends.
The Odyssey is nothing to be made fun of. It is a great way to strengthen your writing skills, make new connections and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
