Around a year ago, at this time, I began a new chapter in my life. I was finally accepted to The Odyssey and started my writing career. Here I am, a year later, and a completely changed person.

I was never much of a writer throughout high school. The classic books always interested me, and I longed to be a good writer like them; however, when I was forced to read and report on them throughout school, it turned me off. I did not want to do something I was forced to. I then ventured into the scary world of college and my life was turned upside down. I started to discover Odyssey articles and began to share them with my roommate, laughing together and relating to someone else across the country. I began to follow authors and find articles I liked to read and kept up with The Odyssey. At the same time this website sparked my interest, I was enrolled in an Intro To Writing course my college had to offer. I was dreading it when I came into school. I wasn't creative and I had nothing to say. My freshman year professor pushed me to dig deep and write something of importance. I decided to take a leap and write a piece that meant something to me. From then on, there was no stopping me. I began to write about every aspect of my life, get creative with my ideas, and grow as a writer. At the end of the year, my professor gave me a journal and told me to keep writing and that my voice matters.

Her words still stick with me today. I immediately went home from that class, pulled out my laptop, and applied to The Odyssey. I heard back quickly and began my journey as a writer to this amazing organization. I decided right then and there that my voice deserves to be heard. I have gone through a lot in my short 20 years of life, and I needed to tell people about it. I let myself be vulnerable. I wrote about things that I've never told people, and I let my writing heal me. Not only did my writing help me with myself, it reached so many people that shared similar stories as me. I was helping so many people throughout the country with my articles alone.

I began to continue my career with The Odyssey and became a contributing editor. I was lucky enough to see all the amazing work my team did and learn from them. I was lucky enough to help others while learning from them as well.

Writing for The Odyssey has truly changed my life. It has given me insight, inspiration, and strength. It has been the best decision I have made so far. Thank you for all that you have given me.