It was around two years ago that I applied for The Odyssey. I didn't end up becoming part of the CU Boulder community till around October that year, but it was during the summer that I discovered this publication and I decided to become a part of it. Over the past two years, I've watched my team and myself change and grow immensely. Though there will be other writing jobs, internships and fellowships in my future, my experience writing for The Odyssey was the first time that I was able to have my writing published. With less than a year left till I graduate college and ultimately have to leave The Odyssey, I just wanted to share how much it changed my life.

Odyssey gave me leadership opportunities

A few months into my time as a writer for The Odyssey, I was so lucky as to have the opportunity to become contributing editor for my school's community. In that position, I got a taste of being a leader, helping the editor in chief edit articles and hire more writers for the community. Then, a few months ago I was able to become Editor in Chief of my community when our old one stepped down. It's been amazing the last few months being in charge of my school's community. I've learned so much from all of the writers, and from my experience as a leader. Though I'm still just starting out in this position, I hope to continue to strengthen and build my team and to become a better leader.

Odyssey taught me a lot about myself as a writer

When I first started out I wasn't sure of what I should write about. I wrote the common sorts of pieces, things about my sorority and listicles and open letters to the most important people in my life. As the years went on, however, I found myself writing more and more controversial pieces. I realized that as a writer I couldn't silence myself from writing what I wanted to express. The current world climate is tumultuous, and I know that it's through us writers that we can change the world. Thus, I have worked to write about what I believe in, despite being scared of the response I may receive.

Odyssey has gotten my writing out there

The first time someone recognized me from my writing was a moment that I will remember forever. They knew me as "the writing girl" and told me that they followed my articles. That moment has stuck with me and I always keep it in the back of my mind when I begin to write.

The Odyssey has changed my life for the better. I've learned more than a lot about what it means to be a writer and to stand up for what I believe in today's world.