A photo gallery depicting moments from Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell’s time in the ODYSSEY (2020-2024) is shown. The one decision Molly Harwell has never doubted was joining the ODYSSEY. “I say it all the time,” Harwell said, “but this program really is my second home, and that feeling was solidified for me my junior year.” Photos from ODYSSEY archives
A second home
ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell reflects on her time in the program.
Anyone who really knows me, knows that I am the worst decision-maker in the entire world. Ever. Whether it’s deciding where to eat for dinner or which college to attend, making choices has never been my strongest suit.
The one decision I have never doubted, not even for a second, was joining ODYSSEY.
I say it all the time, but this program really is my second home, and that feeling was solidified for me my junior year.
I could ramble on and on about how being a part of this program made me a better editor, or a better leader, or a better professional. But the most important thing that ODYSSEY provided me was a second family.
My Managing Editor Maya Clement and I were presenting at SIPA, and even though we had spent weeks preparing, our turnout was extremely low. Like, four people, low.
I was feeling so extremely discouraged and ready to give up on the spot right then and there, but right then, the doors burst open and both the Production and Journalism I classes came pouring into our presentation room. Business Manager Audrey St. Onge gave me a thumbs up, and I felt like crying.
I remember thinking, ‘These are my people.”
I could ramble on and on about how being a part of this program made me a better editor, or a better leader, or a better professional. But the most important thing that ODYSSEY provided me was a second family.
The “greige,” as ODYSSEY Media Group Adivser Mr. David Ragsdale likes to call it, walls of Room 231 provided me a space where I felt comfortable being myself, a space where I felt truly welcome and safe.
I truly believe that I wouldn’t be who I am today without this program and these people, and I am so immensely grateful that I didn’t doubt myself.
