senior blogs

Live Laugh Love

I applied to ODYSSEY on a whim because I heard about it from my friend Molly Harwell. As a transfer student from California, I knew absolutely no one at Clarke Central and understood that if I could join something right off the bat, I would have an easier time finding my niche. And I did. I wouldn’t necessarily say ODYSSEY was an easy transition for me, but was one that was much needed.

Because I was an incoming senior, I had to quickly learn my way around the classroom and adapt to the journalism culture. But within that transition, I have grown a tremendous amount as a student and a person overall. From learning how to make Mama’s Boy biscuits to advocating for better lockdown protocols on the CCHS campus, I have not only improved my writing, but have also developed other skills that will help me in the future.

I may not pursue journalism as a future career, but the lessons I’ve learned and the people that I was surrounded by will forever continue to set me up for success. ODYSSEY provided me with a safe environment on campus and has allowed me to meet people I would have never met otherwise. It may not have been an easy ride, but it sure has been a memorable one.

Emily Couch, News Staffer

A Rollercoaster of Growth

My love for ODYSSEY was first encapsulated in the excitement of each story arch, from interviews to final drafts. These opportunities have shown me new ways to look at the world through talking to people with perspectives different from my own and telling the stories of my community, as well as focusing my energy into work I can be proud of.

In the past couple years, my various roles as a leader have been empowering and exciting. During a year of virtual learning, I gained an immense understanding of how to lead adaptively, build resilience, be a good mentor, maintain good communication, and problem-solve effectively. Now, as an Editor-in-Chief back in person, I’ve implemented these skills more than ever to focus on the growth of our staff. The days of tedious work can be grueling, but the chance to build relationships with and grow younger staff members has led to long-term fulfillment.

Throughout my many roles, the reliability and magic of the ODYSSEY community has remained. As a senior, I spend much of my school day in Room 231, because I know it’s a place to grow, be challenged, use my voice, and do what I love with people that inspire me. While I can’t imagine my life without editing constantly and seeing Mr. Ragsdale and my friends every day, I know I will put everything I’ve learned to use and continue to trace back my core identity to memories from the ODYSSEY.

Audrey Enghauser, ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Editor-in-Chief

Coming to Fruition

From a shy freshman in the Journalism I class to a senior who has had three different editing positions, I can still remember walking into the iconic Room 231 on my first day of high school. I was forced to work with a group of students from different middle schools and grades. Seniors guided us through the steps of interviewing, transcribing, and putting it all together into a real story.

Now in my final semester of high school, my journalism career is slipping away and I am trying to hold on for as long as I possibly can. Finally, in the position of Sports Editor, I have had the opportunity to work with a staff and be in charge of a section of the magazine and website. This responsibility and power, while demanding, has represented the fruition of my hard work and dedication in these four years in the ODYSSEY.

Without all of the ups and downs, virtual and in person, I would not be where I am today, and I am grateful for everything this program has taught and given me. I could not imagine my high school career without it, and I hope to use my journalistic skills for the rest of my life.

Gretchen Hinger, Sports Editor

Walking My Own Path

As many people know, I originally joined the ODYSSEY because of my brother, former Variety Editor and Journalism I Facilitator Connor McCage. He was a big name because of his big personality, and I was worried about living up to that image with my shy, quiet personality. I was also anxious about the workload and pressure that Connor frequently brought up when he talked about ODYSSEY, but both he and my mom encouraged me to join because they were truly convinced I would thrive in this program. And now, looking back on my journey after four years, I believe they were right.

Despite having an older sibling in the program, I never felt pressured to follow in his footsteps. Instead, I was able to forge my own path in ODYSSEY through the Digital Staff. A position I applied for on a whim my freshman year soon became an all-encompassing passion that influenced the trajectory of my life. I fell in love with coding and posting stories on our website and, for the first time in a while, I felt genuinely passionate about what I was doing in school. I can’t imagine doing anything differently during my time in this amazing program.

Ireland McCage, ODYSSEY Media Group Digital Editor-in-Chief and Journalism I Facilitator

Bettering Myself

Even though I have only been a part of the iliad Iiterary-art magazine and ODYSSEY Media Group for a year, my time here has been invaluable. When I first entered the program, I was pretty overwhelmed. I had friends in ODYSSEY and the iliad, but I didn’t really know what the program was all about. Only now can I say that I do.

For me, the iliad and ODYSSEY have taught me to be a better writer, team member, designer, and communicator. Never before have I taken on such a demanding and rewarding role. As Design Editor for the iliad, I have worked on posters, programs, like the one you all received today, banners, and, of course, the magazine.

I have also had to put myself out there more than ever before. I am a very anxious person, so having to reach out to people for interviews, edits, and help was at first very difficult, but ultimately beneficial for me. I am very grateful for the design and interpersonal experiences that I have had as result of my position within the iliad and ODYSSEY, and I know that I will continue to draw on them for years to come.

Eva Orbock, iliad literary-art magazine Design Editor

A Down-to-Earth Experience

When I joined ODYSSEY as a freshman, I had no idea what I was expecting out of my experience in it. Over the years, I grew to truly enjoy the different opportunities offered by the program. From the focus on collaboration to the commitment to quality work that accurately reflects the news and prominent members of Clarke Central and the Athens community, ODYSSEY was able to support my love for writing, transforming it into a commitment to the community that we work to serve the interests of.

In ODYSSEY, I’m able to work with others to create something larger than myself, as well as show the up-and-coming staffers the skills that they will need to know to thrive in such a collaborative environment. Through my positions of Business Manager and Variety Editor, I’ve been able to fuse my passion for community storytelling with my affinity for the business side of ODYSSEY. The skills the program has enabled me to polish have allowed me to better tell the stories of others as well as connect with local community members. It’s difficult for me to imagine how much different my high school career and writing career would be had I never joined.

Isaac Ramirez, ODYSSEY Media Group Variety Editor, Business Manager, and Journalism I Facilitator

Learning through creation

When I joined ODYSSEY, I came in with very little knowledge of the program and only knew a few people. I was very intimidated by the leaders that dominated the room, but I knew I wanted to become an important part of the innovative environment. Throughout my time in ODYSSEY and iliad, I have been able to explore skills that interested me such as photography and social media. I have been able to conquer the fears I once had, such as public speaking and interviewing important community members. I have had opportunities that have taught me skills, such as professionalism, that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. One of the most important assets that have come from my time within ODYSSEY is the people that I have met.

The room is always filled with bright-eyed, intelligent individuals. What I have learned from my peers and being surrounded by talented individuals has been an experience I am very grateful for. Having an environment where you can work with individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and skillsets have been very rewarding. I have also built friendships with people I may not have crossed paths with otherwise. The people and this program have shaped who I am today.

Luna Reichert, iliad Co-Editor-in-Chief

A Voice in My Community

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.

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.

Natalie Schliekelman, ODYSSEY Media Group Managing Editor

The New Kid

I never saw Print Managing Editor coming. My introduction to both CCHS and the ODYSSEY Media Group was virtual, yet somehow through this program, I was able to hit the ground running. I worked until the next logical step was to be mentored by Naomi Hendershot, the former Editor-in-Chief. I also began to pay it forward by working with that year’s Journalism I class, who are now sophomores in Production with me.

I continued to work with the freshmen this year, becoming a full-time Journalism I Facilitator with Lucas Donnelly, and later Ireland McCage and Isaac Ramirez, as well. I never thought I would be an editor, much less a Managing Editor, but this program has inspired a confidence in me that has allowed me to take my work to the next level. I’m proud to say I’m also the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Student Ambassador for the school district.

I’m proud to be part of such an amazing program, and I’m eternally grateful for all that it’s done for me. I hope I can teach the underclassmen as much as last year’s seniors taught me.

Chloe Sears, ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Managing Editor and Journalism I Faciliator

One Special Semester

Going through three-and-a-half years of high school without ODYSSEY has made me so much more thankful for the one semester I’ve gotten to spend with some of the people I call my best friends. I’ve become a better student, a better team member, a better teacher, and a harder worker. I thank the people that have helped me this far, especially Mr. Ragsdale, for showing me just how rewarding things that are difficult can be.

When I think back on my high school career, I have just as many regrets as anyone else, but my biggest regret is not getting to spend more time with the wonderful scholars of ODYSSEY. I will take the lessons that I have learned in this class to college and my adult life. Writing this, I realize it sounds like just a bunch of conclusion sentences, but that makes sense. This is the conclusion of the first part of my life, the only part of life I’ve known this far. ODYSSEY will stay with me throughout the next parts of my life until I become the person I grow to be.

Anna Tenner, Variety Staffer