Students said they are enjoying an opportunity to speak in a creative way through the new St. Bonaventure chapter of the online-opinion sharing platform, The Odyssey.
Caitlin McClare, a senior journalism and mass communication major and the editor-in-chief of Bonaventure’s sector of The Odyssey, said that this club is the perfect way for students to find a voice and get some professional experience.
“I was exploring over the summer, hoping I could be a contributing writer,” McClare said. “In the application, I had to put my school. Since Bonas wasn’t in the system, I had to apply to have a chapter here at Bonas.”
According to McClare, although this is The Odyssey’s first active year on campus, she has gathered a group of 14 contributing writers through the promotion of the club on social media and by word-of-mouth. Club management added that they hope more students will join as the club progresses.
“We hope to build a bigger staff,” said Natalie Kucko, a junior journalism and mass communication major, staff writer and social media manager. “I think that’s our first priority, and that will come with time. With the success our team has had so far, it only makes sense that we work and continue to move in the right direction. We are always looking for more writers to join the staff.”
Contributing writers for The Odyssey write weekly stories, usually between 500 and 1000 words, about almost any topic of their choice. While staff members give suggestions on story topics, students have the option to come up with their own story ideas. According to Kucko, story topics can range from college-living advice to opinion pieces on current events.
“I think what makes [The Odyssey] so unique is the lack of restraint,” McClare said. “It’s very open and gives us writers a chance to find our voice and build our ‘personal brand’ online. We can write about news (local and national), sports, personal experiences and Bonaventure—really anything.”
Club members said that they enjoy the freedom to share their opinions on The Odyssey website. McClare said that there are a number of other reasons to join the club, including the opportunity for students to get published and acquire on-campus internship hours for writing.
Vincent Bellardini, a senior journalism and mass communication major and correspondent for The Odyssey, said although he has only had his first story published, he is looking forward to continuing his work with the club.
“The post I wrote was my first on the site, but I plan on trying to get at least one in a week,” Bellardini said. “I have a lot to say, but am usually too lazy to write any of it down. The Odyssey gives me a reason to sit down and hash out everything that’s going through my mind.”
While members such as Bellardini focus on their weekly writings, McClare said that management is focused on moving past the club’s “rookie stages” and want to try to increase the amount of weekly traffic stories have. She also added that she hopes the Bonaventure chapter continues after she graduates this year.
Admission to the club requires an application. Students interested in writing for The Odyssey are encouraged to contact McClare for further information at mcclarc12@bonaventure.edu.
mcgurllt14@bonaventure.edu
