"A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does is golden. A writer is a writer because, even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway."

My freshman year of college I was offered the opportunity to not only write for the Odyssey but to be the editor-in-chief of my school's brand new team. This brought the task of finding inspired writers, setting up a motivated staff of editors, and creating a voice for my team at my university. As arduous as it initially seemed, I could not have been more excited.

Writing has always been a passion of mine. Guiding the endless words circulating inside my head into something tangible, something meaningful, gives me a sense of fulfillment.

But as a health science major, I started to see my hobby simply disappear. Leaving home, going away for school, and meeting lots of new people was exciting but this period of my life made me feel as if I had no way of expressing all that I had going on.

The Odyssey came at a perfect time in my life. Through all the stresses I was experiencing, writing and editing for my team became a constant. With each article I produced, I was able to narrate the hardships I have gone through, the inspirations I am driven by, my most happiest experiences, and much much more.

I was also given a unique leadership opportunity like no other. From being editor, I learned how to interview writers, promote our name through multiple modes, and edit based on the writer's ideas rather than his or grammar. Most importantly, starting something completely from scratch taught me how to delegate tasks to others, listen attentively to my peers' needs, and have a confident yet graceful leadership style. I learned that there comes a point in which I can't handle everything myself and that it is okay to depend on other people. It's only human to struggle and need a little help sometimes.

I regret to say that my time with the Odyssey is coming to an unfortunate end. I could describe exactly what has changed since I took on this role—my course load, the responsibilities I have taken on elsewhere, etc.—but I don't regret my involvement with the Odyssey in the first place and feel my coming departure is bittersweet more than anything.

A wise editor I once had told me that everyone's time most come to an end, and I think that's a reflection of all of the experiences we may find in our lives. Nothing can last forever; if it did, we would be limiting ourselves to all of life's other opportunities. Instead, we must be thankful of the countless opportunities we are given and the lessons learned from each one.

I hope to somehow find a way to write again in the future. But until then, thank you Odyssey for this irreplaceable experience. And thank you to every editor, team member, and reader that has supported me along the way.