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Thank You, Odyssey

One year ago today, I published my first Odyssey article.

Jordan Hawkins

Sep 06, 2017

Emory and Henry College

Jordan Hawkins

One year ago today, I published my first Odyssey article.

The response to How Being Single Has Helped Me Grow - and many articles after it - blew me away. Readers have been so encouraging as I shared my experiences, observations, and contemplations.

An Outlet to Share

Odyssey became an outlet for me. When I needed to vent a little (respectfully, I hope!), I wrote an article. When God laid heavy subjects on my heart and I needed to share, you read them and responded thoughtfully. When I wanted to talk about what I had been learning, you encouraged me.

I shared personal experiences that made me feel quite vulnerable. My Heavenly Father assured me that I was not oversharing and that He would be glorified, and I believe He was. My confidence grew as I saw how readers were encouraged by my writings.

I wrote about difficulties in college.

I wrote about giving my life plan to God.

I wrote about changes in my ideas of romance.

It's not just the articles that have made Odyssey such a special place; it is the interaction with readers, many of whom are friends, that made writing even more meaningful.

There were countless times when I logged onto Facebook and saw a response to an article that made me deeply grateful for sweet friends and kind words. I developed stronger relationships with you as I read your responses.

Radical Respect

In a world that felt increasingly divided and volatile, I published The Post-Election Problems Of A Conservative Millennial rather hesitantly. Every response I saw gave me fresh hope that Americans can, and do, interact with thoughtfulness and kindness.

Some of you agreed with me, and some of you did not completely agree... but you all respected me and interacted with my ideas without attacking me as a person. How refreshing.

(Especially after experiencing atmospheres of intellectual censorship! To be fair, I had wonderful experiences at college, too.)

Seasons and Change

I wrote about seasons and boldness and faith. (A lot.)

Now, a year later, I'm moving into a new season in faith. Amid changes, it is time to leave Odyssey.

Short of a catastrophic event, I'll never stop writing. (I'm making plans to keep writing now, even if it takes a little time to get started again.)

One year ago today, I published my first Odyssey article.

Today, I am publishing my last (for now, at least) Odyssey article.

It has been a wonderful year... and you have been fabulous readers and friends. Thank you!

And thank you to Odyssey for giving me a platform, support and instruction, and experiences that have only increased my love of writing!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

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1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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