Q: How many years have you been with Odyssey, and what grade are you entering this fall?

Richard: I have been with Odyssey for nine years, and I am going to be in 12th grade.

Q: Why did you continue to spend your summers with Odyssey for that long?

Richard: I come back because I have made so many friends and connections, and it is hard to walk away from them. Also, the food was consistently great! I would always get a head start for the first couple of months of school too.

Q: In general, what would you say is your favorite part of Odyssey?

Richard: I just think the variety of people that you meet at Odyssey is the best thing. They don’t exclusively say they want a ‘type’ of person. As long as your grades are up you are welcome. You get to meet a lot of different people with a lot of different passions that you wouldn’t necessarily think of at first glance. That truly is the best part, just the people.

Q: And what about this summer?

Richard: Getting through a lot of the college process that I was going to have to do by myself has been my favorite part. I learned a lot about financial aid and about the college admissions process. I have made good connections with my teachers and they are helping me, as well as other students, get in touch with colleges about scholarships. This was definitely my favorite year at Odyssey in terms of just raw curriculum.

Q: What would you say to someone who was trying to decide if they should spend a summer with Odyssey?

Richard: I would say that regardless of who you are or what you have been through, Odyssey has a spot for you. If you are purely there to learn, gain experience, or make connections… there is always an opportunity and option for it at Odyssey. Even if you don’t know what you are trying to do, there is always a goal and they will help you find it. And… they will help you to be a better person in this world.

Q: What would you say to the entire Odyssey community if you could give them a message?

Richard: It is a hard time (referencing summer 2020, during the COVID outbreak), you know technology is hard, but the end goal is still the same. You can have just as much fun in real life as you can online. I would really just say: keep going.

If you would like to help other students who have a similar story as Richard, please consider donating to Odyssey here.