I've been writing with Odyssey for almost a year, but I can still clearly remember the very first day that I ever joined my team. To be honest, I was apprehensive; my schedule between school and work already felt impossible to balance, so I was reluctant to add yet another responsibility to my plate.

All the same, I took the risk. I knew plenty of fellow English majors (and even non-English majors!) who talked of enjoying the laid-back writing platform. I also knew that it would be helpful and impressive to add another literary venture to my growing list of experience. So where was the harm in trying?

Thankfully, what I found within a week of writing was nothing short of camaraderie and personal satisfaction. Although I once expected Odyssey to be an editorial-esque company of schedules and regulations, I quickly discovered that the site helps your voice to be heard, you write according to your own hours, and you connect with an entire community of fun and supportive writers.

What I learned to love most of all, however, was the creative freedom that came with constructing my own articles. Unlike newspaper or magazine companies that dictate what content needs to be produced, Odyssey is more of a personal interest blog where you write at the whim of your own thoughts and feelings. From quick and easy "listicles", to pieces about deeply-personal struggles, I choose the direction that I take each and every week.

Of course, a censor-free stage occasionally makes way for controversy. When people are given the freedom to express themselves without restriction, there is bound to be a problematic perspective that gets published from time to time.

All the same, the beauty behind Odyssey is that all walks of life get to share their uncensored experiences (often sparking debate about profound and important issues in the aftermath). In a nation where everyone deserves the right to be heard, Odyssey does not cherry pick which authors are "good" or "bad". Anyone can produce the work that is important to them regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs.

That all being said, writing for Odyssey has transformed into an enjoyable hobby as opposed to an obligatory job. What's more, is that my rise in position all the way up to my current title - editor - has given me the valuable experience of working with people and with each of their unique pieces.

Through Odyssey, writing and editing weekly articles has become a source of pride. And I encourage anyone who is even faintly curious to give our team a try!