Onyx Spring-Summer 2017

Voices of The Woods found on “theodysseyonline.com” BY TIFFANY STROUD

“A lot of times it’s easier to write and read than to engage in conversation,” Dust said. “I have some pro-life blogs. I have some political things, religious topics – things that people are more apt to sit and read than to have a conversation with you about. It opens up avenues for me to truly get my opinions heard in a way that people will react to in a more positive light.” Dust, who is majoring in mild- intervention elementary education, said she is thankful for SMWC helping her find her voice so that she can share it with others. In the past three years, she’s participated in student senate, many clubs and several committees with faculty and staff – taking on leadership roles throughout. “The Woods has helped me become bolder, finding my skills and my self-confidence – knowing I do have something to contribute,” Dust said. “I don’t think I would have taken on writing or any kind of published material work if I hadn’t come here – knowing I can make a difference and do make a difference.” My 6 Wishes for Your New Year. This year I hope you live. ... 1. I hope you say “yes.” I hope you say yes to that invitation to coffee. To that extra thick slice of cake. To the long girls’ weekend in a mountain cabin or the trip of a lifetime that you’re terrified to go on. To read the full story visit: https://www.theodysseyonline. com/an-alum-letter-to- professors

In today’s world, everyone wants to be heard. Interaction via social media has become the norm, but with all the different outlets and so many posts to sort through, voices can still get lost in the crowd. Odyssey Online, a website devoted to giving people the chance to share what’s most important to them, is all about making sure everyone gets heard. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is known for helping students find their voice. Some students are sharing it by becoming content creators for Odyssey Online. The goal of Odyssey Online, which has an audience of more than 30 million according to their website, is to enrich readers “with broader, more honest perspectives on topics they care about.” SMWC students are

encouraged to write what’s important to them and their community and share their published articles via social media. Casey Dust, of Rockville, Ind., is currently a junior at SMWC and has written more than a dozen articles for the website in the last year. “Odyssey is a place where typical college-age students or recent grads have an open forum for how they want to express themselves to write about things that are relevant to them or to their community,” Dust explained. “It’s a way to share your opinions more publicly.” Dust said she is not a great public speaker, but writing is a way for her to share her passions. She feels like people are often more open to written word when it comes to controversial topics.

BY CASEY DUST

Casey Dust

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