A photo gallery depicting ODYSSEY Media Group Variety Editor Adah Hamman’s four years in the program is shown. Through her four years in the program, Hamman found what she was looking for: community. “I was a relatively shy kid, and as such, had a hard time finding a place where I felt like I belonged,” Hamman wrote. “But I knew that, as soon as I set foot into Room 231, that wouldn’t be a problem. Everyone was so welcoming, and I immediately felt that sense of community that I had always longed for.” Photos from the ODYSSEY archives
The Community
Variety Editor Adah Hamman reflects on her time as a member of the ODYSSEY Media Group.
In the past, whenever someone has asked me why I do ODYSSEY, my answer has remained the same: “The community.”
When I joined the program as a freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a relatively shy kid, and as such, had a hard time finding a place where I felt like I belonged.
But I knew that, as soon as I set foot into Room 231, that wouldn’t be a problem. Everyone was so welcoming, and I immediately felt that sense of community that I had always longed for.
I found my voice, not just as a writer, but as a leader, too, surrounded by people who constantly pushed me to improve.
That feeling only grew stronger with time. What started as just a classroom became like a second home to me, a safe place for me to grow and develop my skills as a journalist. I found my voice, not just as a writer, but as a leader, too, surrounded by people who constantly pushed me to improve.
The relationships I’ve built and the friendships I’ve made through ODYSSEY will stay with me forever, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this community.
