Once I decided to let go of playing lacrosse at the Division I collegiate level, I knew I needed to do something that was for me and something that I wouldn’t have been able to do before. That’s when I came across Odyssey. One of my friends from home was writing for a community and I became very interested in the idea of becoming a content writer. I thought Odyssey would be something new for me. It would provide a new challenge and allow me to get my voice out there, which was stepping a bit outside my comfort zone.

I have always enjoyed creative writing, even in school. It is a fun outlet to express my thoughts and myself. Each week Odyssey allowed me to express new thoughts and feelings in many different forms such as articles, lists, and videos. Odyssey has taught me how to verbalize thoughts and be okay with my own interests, opinions and values even if they differ from others. In today’s world, anything you put on social media sparks conversations, questions and debates. I’ve learned that sometimes it is beneficial to get people thinking about our world and their own actions.

I’ve learned that my voice matters. I admit there are some weeks where I didn’t start writing an article until 4pm on Friday when my article is suppose to be due at 9pm so I quickly think of a random topic and just start spitting words on the page. But on the weeks when I really took the time to think about what I want to share with the world, I feel really good about my article. I get a lot of reassurance when I see all the page views, likes and shares but also when people come up to me and say “I have been reading your articles.”, “Your article really hit home for me.”, or “You are a great writer.” All the little things I hear from my family, friends, and even people I haven’t spoken with in months makes me feel important and that my voice matters and is making a difference for people which is why I started writing for Odyssey in the first place.

Most importantly, I’ve learned a lot about myself. When I wrote articles that are meaningful to my life, I made a lot of discoveries about my perspectives on life and my values. I’ve learned that I am adventurous, mature, and that I am my own person. I am not an emotional person but I would surprise myself with my ability to portray all my emotions and thoughts into words. I’ve learned that I can do whatever I set my mind to and that it is important to do things for my happiness and myself and not for the pleasure of others. Odyssey has taught me to be myself.

Being a content writer for Odyssey has taught me many important things. I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons from time management to writing being a form of therapy to being my own person. So I thank you, Odyssey, for allowing me to find my identity and happiness after letting go of the sport that consumed my life for 13 years. Odyssey has done the most for me and for that I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to be a content writer.