A gallery shows Digital Managing Editor Natalie Schliekelman, a senior, throughout her years in the ODYSSEY Media Group program. Schliekelman joined ODYSSEY as a freshman and has held the roles of News Staffer, News Editor and Digital Managing Editor. Photos from the ODYSSEY archive
A voice in my community
Digital Managing Editor Natalie Schliekelman, a senior, reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY.
Some days, the ODYSSEY is (semi-unfortunately) the first thing I think of when I wake up and then the last thing I think of before I go to sleep. I can honestly say that I don’t know who I’d be without the ODYSSEY.
With it, I’ve found a tight-knit, wonderful group of friends and a larger passionate and loving community of people. Most importantly, I’ve found a version of myself that I’m happy and proud to be. I’ve learned to use my voice, to organize myself, to lead a team. Being able to have a voice in my community, and to think about my own place within it, has been invaluable.
I’ve found a version of myself that I’m happy and proud to be. I’ve learned to use my voice, to organize myself, to lead a team.
Some days my work in the ODYSSEY is an uphill battle, but I know without a doubt that there are people who will be there to help me up every single time, and who make me feel more loved and safe than any other community I could have possibly found to surround myself with. I am so, so proud of everyone in the ODYSSEY — those I’ve grown up with (especially the Cabinet!) and those I am currently getting the pleasure of seeing blossom on staff.
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