iliad Literary-Art Magazine Outreach Director Salai Diekumpuna (right) poses with ODYSSEY Media Group Visuals Staffer Temprince Battle (left). Diekumpuna has weathered difficult times in the iliad program, but has enjoyed the experience overall. “Going into my senior year, being part of the ODYSSEY felt easy. I had a family that I cared for, but my work never felt legendary. However, I’ve been building my legacy through my work and relationship with both Mr. Ragsdale and the class,” Diekumpuna said. Photos courtesy of Salai Diekumpuna.
Salai Diekumpuna reflects on her time in the ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Editorial Board.
I first joined the ODYSSEY Media Group as a Journalism l student, and I hated it. Still, I applied for the production class.
That fall, I sat in front of a screen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and watched everyone with depressed looks on their faces. I sat in class silently, and I looked at my screen with disdain as I watched the same Journalism I presentations.
I eventually left the class but I stayed in the program because it had a hold on me and I found myself fighting for that family experience I’d heard so much about from the 2020 alumni.
All of this to say, my first three years in the OMG were difficult.
Going into my senior year, being part of the ODYSSEY felt easy. I had a family that I cared for, but my work never felt legendary. However, I’ve been building my legacy through my work and relationship with both Mr. Ragsdale and the class.
It’s not all history yet, but the present is exhilarating.
