“The connections and mentorship I was able to receive from Odyssey gave me the strength and confidence I needed to take part in Student Government, Residence Life, Housing, etc.” (Adonis Pitts, Political Science/ Africana Studies)
“Odyssey has provided me with an opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships.” (Ayleen Santarin, Chemistry)
Both
in their senior year in college, Adonis and Ayleen testify to how the
Odyssey program has helped them transition smoothly from high school to the
unique rigors of college life. Run by the Office of Multicultural Education,
the Odyssey program is a one-week self-discovery retreat for incoming first
generation students, Pell eligible students and students of color. The program is
offered for free.
According
to program coordinator Mariel Aleman, the number of Odyssey program
participants for this school year had increased dramatically by some 51% from
the previous year. Modules had been
modified through the years to offer more community building and identity
consciousness workshops alongside the usual survival tips for incoming first
year students. At first, Mariel
explained, participants would think that they’ve signed up for the program
simply to hang out with new friends. As
the program progresses, however students get to identify their marked
discoveries about their personal identities, the personal gifts that they bring
to college, the common ground that they share even with those whom they
consider as different, their abilities to check their own biases and so
on.
Bringing
in a good team of mentors who can accompany the new students, says Mariel also
works well for the program. For
mentors, Mariel adds: “We look for folks who are team players and are adaptable
to change; those who are able to work with different folks from different walks
of life; those who are welcoming and who can make other students feel they
belong; those who make students feel that they are part of something bigger.” Any student from their sophomore or senior
year can apply as a mentor. Application
for mentors are now being accepted until February 28.
The
Odyssey program had since built in an almost automatic follow-up mechanism in
support of students’ needs even beyond their first year experience. Some mentors continue ‘guiding’ their mentees
long after the program has ended. Some
on their own, had organized Odyssey Sunday dinners or weekend outings to check
on each other. Others have kept their links with OME staff and have made full use
of the HUB as a gathering and study space.
Relationship
building continues to be a thrust of the Odyssey program. It allows first year students Mariel notes, to
identify and rely on friends on whose shoulders they can lean. They themselves get the word out: Come and sign up for the Odyssey program.
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