I get asked on occasions why do I write for Odyssey, and I give a simple answer every time. I write for Odyssey because I like to use my voice. These articles are me and solely me. My thoughts, my opinions, my voice. This is a platform that I can use to exercise my first amendment right to freedom of speech.

What good is a right if we don't even use to our benefit?

Through the use of social media more people can voice their opinion much more easily now than ever, and honestly that's great. Social media has definitely changed the way people live in so many ways, this is one of them.

Using our voice is exactly what we, as citizens of the United States, should do so that our government can know what we think. We should all use our voice to our advantage. As much as social media has made it easier for people to display their thoughts on a platform, I still feel that too many people remain quiet about things. Particularly people in my generations.

People just do not seem to care and I do not understand it. The way I see it is that if you could change something for the better then why wouldn't you? In the same sense that social media helps others use their voice, I can also see that it prevents others from doing so. I see this with some people in that they want to maintain a certain image for themselves on their social media profiles. People now in days will post anything for the sake of maximizing "likes" on their profiles. So in that sense, someone would stray away from voicing their opinion on something if it means they won't get a lot of "likes." In the same exact sense people will post stuff that they do not necessarily stand by because they know they will get a lot of likes from it.

In my opinion, those kind of people are part of what is wrong in this world. Who cares if someone won't like what you have to say. You should care what you have to say. I do not understand those who do not stand for nothing. Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.

In correlation to that, people who do use their voice must also understand that just because you use your voice for something does not mean that something will be done about it right away. Some prefer to act out instead of using their words because "actions speak louder than words." But what those people do not understand is that using your voice IS taking action.

This brings me to my next point; using words are smart, but using well thought out words is smarter. Words are be binding and a person can really make a fool out of themselves if they do not know what they speak of. A person can add meaning behind their words with the same simple thought process that one uses to conjure up the idea that using your voice is good; all you got to do is think a little.

As for myself, I will continue to use my voice in the smartest way possible to stand up for what I stand for; as long as I have air in my lungs and blood in my veins. Those who know me well know this: I can really talk someone's ear off. Sorry guys.