After what has been one of the most stressful--yet rewarding, as things typically work-- weeks of my life, I find myself laying in bed, typing this, stricken by an unfortunate bout of food poisoning. I can't help but think, "Of course this would happen to me at the peak of my business." But, nonetheless, I am incredibly excited about beginning this new journey, stomach bug and all.

My name is Jessica Danielowicz, and I am the Editor in Chief of The Odyssey at The University of North Alabama. We are a university of about 7,000 students residing in the north western corner of the state in a beautiful little city called Florence, Alabama. I am honored to call Florence my hometown, as well as home to my wonderful and beloved campus.

Though smaller than the majority of campuses where The Odyssey has already become active, we are not short on liveliness, history, pride (we are the Lions, after all), and honor.

Beginning in 1830 as LaGrange College, UNA is proud to be the the oldest state-chartered university in the state of Alabama. We have an amazing faculty full of well educated professors who care so much and so deeply about the success of their students and the campus as a whole. Our Greeks are outstanding and do a massive amount for our campus and community. We have a thriving Honors Program that provides a close-knit, family feel to those involved. Our LaGrange Society Ambassadors are top notch. We have excellent music, education, and business programs, as well as plenty of other areas of study. We annually host the George Lindsey Film Festival. Our marching band, The Pride of Dixie, will blow your mind any day. Our Residence Life staff is outstanding and really makes campus feel like home, so much that I had to be basically dragged from campus at the end of the year. We hold six NCAA Division II national championships, and we hold the record as the first football team in any division to win 40 or more games in three seasons. Our campus, located in the center of Florence's Historic District, is full of historic landmarks, and I could tell you a ghost story (or two…or three) for just about any building. Our campus is undoubtably the most beautiful I have ever had the pleasure to set foot upon. It wins the hearts of all who encounter it. And yes…

We have live mascots!

Leo III and Una are African lions who we are proud to have living on campus as part of the UNA family, year-round. Siblings, our 9 year old mascots are always a crowd favorite and never forget to alert us of lunch time, as it is common to hear roars across campus.

As a fourth generation UNA student, I could not be more proud to live and learn on this vivacious, exciting, passion-fueled campus. I am especially excited that I now get to share this experience with each person who takes the time to read what my staff and I have to say. UNA is a remarkable place to be, and I am truly blessed. Thank you for beginning this journey with us.

Roar lions!