Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health and Wellness

Why I Took A Month Break From Odyssey

I needed time to think, and here are my findings

Jazlyn Rust

Jan 21, 2018

Huntington University

457

Ashley Preston

Hello everyone. If you are familiar with my work you may have noticed that I haven't written for a bit, and I have a good reason for this hiatic. I have been struggling with writing. I have been wondering if I am writing for me, or just for the views and when it gets to this point, I had to take a step back. Here is what I learned from my time off:

1. Writing is a talent and a passion, not just a job opportunity

I started writing when I was in middle school. Starting with short stories and then moving to poems and research papers, and now writing for Odyssey. I have always been told that my writings were good and that I should start putting them out there for people to read. When I became a freshman in college, little did I know that I would join this fantastic social media platform. But lately, it has become a job that I don't get paid for and that I work so hard for. So during my time, I learned that I have to write FOR ME! Yes, page views are great, but I have to know that at the end of the day, I am a writer in my own life and this is a hobby.

2. I don't have to have a viral story, those who care will read

I have been so worried about having a great story that brings all of these views and attention to a particular issue but I learned that I don't always have to be the hero. My story or article will not always be the number one article and I probably won't solve any big life problem with my words but I can bring attention to those who read. I have friends and family that read my articles every week and that core support is so important as a student writer. I had some come to me and ask why I stopped writing and that said that I had viewers, maybe not a whole nation, but enough to make me happy.

3. If you need a break, take one

Since I started this platform, it has been a LONG TIME since I have taken a break from writing just because I needed one. In fact, I am not sure I have ever taken one. So as I took this time to breathe and regroup so that I could bring great content to those who read, I realized that I was getting burnt out. I thought this would just be a semester thing and now this March will be three years I have been writing, and June will be two years I have Editor. I have seen great success and horrid failure but never did I give up and this break was NOT me giving up. When you love something, you may need to take a moment and regroup but it is not quitting by any means.

Sorry, this article is a bit formal, I just wanted to address the questions and concerns. I love you all and be ready for amazing work in 2018.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

Temple University

374

Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Emma Stone GIFfrom Emma Stone GIFs

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority girls

Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

1484

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less

Lifestyle

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

Bowling Green State University

983

thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

ethnic name

Student Life

10 Thoughts We Have While Daydreaming In Class

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Monmouth University

476

day·dream (ˈdāˌdrēm/): a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Daydreams, the savior of our life in class. Every type of student in the classroom does it at least once, but most cases it is an everyday event, especially in that boring class -- you know the one. But what are we thinking while we are daydreaming?

Keep Reading...Show less

daydreaming

Politics and Activism

11 Things You Should Never Say To A Puerto Rican

Don't Be That Person

Bowling Green State University

11956

Jessica Pinero

Puerto Ricans. They are very proud people and whether they were born on the island or born in the United States by Puerto Rican parent(s). It gets even better when they meet another fellow Puerto Rican or Latino in general. You’ll know quickly if they are Puerto Rican whether the flag is printed somewhere on their person or whether they tell you or whether the famous phrase “wepa!” is said.

Keep Reading...Show less

puerto ricans

Recommended for you

Why I Took A Month Break From Odyssey

I needed time to think, and here are my findings

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Health and Wellness

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter