I decided to start writing for The Odyssey Online when I saw one of my friends post her article on her Facebook timeline. It grasped my attention and I realized I wanted to grasp others' attention as well. Having a voice on the Internet is important for anyone, but I don't think others realize it can also be therapeutic.
When you write out your thoughts, it helps you self-reflect on the choices you made, the experiences you've faced and the environment you live in. When you start writing, the world is at your fingertips as you're speaking for yourself. It's one thing to experience an event, but to write it out helps it solidify in your mind as well as forever ingrain it on the Internet.
When others read your articles, it makes you feel good. Even just getting a few likes on Facebook can teach yourself people want to listen to you and what you have to say. Even if it may seem silly or uninteresting, someone out there wants to hear what you have to say because we all lead different lives and what may seem mundane to you will seem interesting to someone else. I know I love hearing about people's lives, so if that says something for you, then I'll let you take it.
Sure, I guess I'm promoting The Odyssey Online and trying to recruit people for the Chicago Community. I started when this was barely a community, but my wonderful EIC, now President Rafia Ali turned this community around and made it into something amazing.
After taking a break for the past school semester, I realized what I had while it was gone. I have relatives that live around the globe and they missed reading my content. It's a way to connect yourself with family and friends no matter where they are and what you write can go a long way for someone — even yourself.
I for one love to write blog posts. I'm currently in a journalism summer course and I'm learning a lot about what it means to be "digitally fluent." I've only started the course, but I'm still learning a lot. I can apply that knowledge here and no matter where I go, I will make sure that "fake news" bullshit stops circulating (P.S. you can find my assignments on my twitter with my twitter handle @lenasuhdude)
I hope you take up blogging, too. While I sometimes write for me and I want you to write for you. Be it on The Odyssey Online or your school newspaper, you don't have to personally thank me, but you might find yourself wishing you did. I want the best for you, and you want the best for yourself. Consider this as my early birthday present to you.
