A photo gallery depicting highlight from Cadence Schapker’s time in the ODYSSEY (2020-2024) is shown. Cadence credits the ODYSSEY with bringing her out of her shell. “Initially, I was terrified. I had to ask people I had never met before some pretty personal questions as a journalist, and as a student, I had to speak up for myself in order to get the help I needed in the classroom,” Schapker said. “But to my surprise, Room 231 would become another one of my rehearsal rooms. A place where my voice, confidence and friendships developed beyond what I could imagine, and I have only grown louder.” Photos from ODSSEY archives
Finding my voice
Sports Editor Cadence Schapker reflects on her time with the ODYSSEY Media Group and the growth she’s seen in herself.
I love to sing and I’ve been singing with a local children’s chorus for nine years now, so I’ve always known how to be loud and make myself heard. But three years ago, those skills didn’t carry outside of the rehearsal room. I was scared of the people I didn’t know when I was thrown out of my element, and my voice was reduced to a squeak.
ODYSSEY was no different. Initially, I was terrified. I had to ask people I had never met before some pretty personal questions as a journalist, and as a student, I had to speak up for myself in order to get the help I needed in the classroom. But to my surprise, Room 231 would become another one of my rehearsal rooms. A place where my voice, confidence and friendships developed beyond what I could imagine, and I have only grown louder.
I have found my voice thanks to the work I have been doing as a journalist, and I never intend to let it go.
I have presented about the importance of diversity and inclusion at the state and national level. I have made it a point to make my editing processes as a leader conversations with my staffers to ensure my staff doesn’t feel the voicelessness I felt as a writer.
I have found my voice thanks to the work I have been doing as a journalist, and I never intend to let it go.
