Dear Odyssey,
I love you. I was blown away by the opportunities that you held for me when Sadie Penn explained that she became an Editor in Chief (EIC).
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I started as a creator in Grace College's brand new community in the beginning of September. The fabulous Sami Allen was my boss from the start. As a Managing Editor, she built a community at Grace even though she was in NYC.
1. Sami's awesome.
2. Yep, she really is.
After a few weeks of being a content creator Sami interviewed me to become Grace's EIC.
She is kind and caring, wanted to get to know me and be involved in my life, not just on a professional level. Sami friended me on Facebook and Instagram, then welcomed me to a group chat with the other EICs that she managed.
She regularly initiated conversation in the group chat and had a weekly check-in with me to see how I was doing with the community, articles, and just how my life was. Sami helped me set goals to motivate my creators and to help me become a better leader and author.
In our weekly check-ins (I shared with Kennedy Savageau), Sami would share stories about her life, and listen to stories about how awkward we were.
She encouraged me when I was scared to post personal articles because I didn't know how other people would react.
She genuinely wanted to hear about my bad days.
Sami celebrated small AND large victories with me.
She rallied her EICs together to create this beautiful article.
More than anything else, Sami loved us deeply. Even in the crazy past 36 hours, she has repeatedly told us that she's still around for us. She is still investing her time into her EICs even though she is not being paid to do so.
Sami is wildly talented.
Odyssey, it is so so sad that she no longer has a job with you.
I know that Sami will find another job. I can only hope that Odyssey will continue to be successful as well with all of the new changes.
Sami, you are so loved by all of us. Here are some notes from just a few of your admirers.
Caleb Harlow: "Sami was super nice to me. Even over a phone call, she made me feel like I was important to her, and that was really cool."
Kennedy Savageau: "I've never met somebody as genuine, kind-hearted, or down to earth as Sami. She's taught me so much in the short time I've known her, & not only has she made a difference in my life, but she became a friend I know I can always depend on. Odyssey won't be the same without her & her talent."
Sai Sailaja Sheshadri: "...I'm left without the amazing ME who taught me so much and brought me to where I am today. I am left without the mentor who checks up on us every day, makes sure everything is good with both our Odyssey lives and our personal lives, who made me excited to log onto my dashboard and edit, submit and share pieces every week. "
Chelsea Iasello: "Through her never ending support, love, and devotion, Sami turned 20 strangers into a family. She is our biggest cheerleader and our greatest confidant. Even though she will always remain a close friend and a part of our swiggity-swag family, she will be forever missed as our ME, as an amazing and talented leader."
Mary Freda: "I met Sami after my ME left my Odyssey branch. She called me right away to get an update from the CE (at the time me). She always encouraged me to write more and to encourage others to do the same. Eventually, I was moved up to EIC and Sami blessed me with 20 new friends, herself included. Sami not only became the best ME I could have asked for, she became a dear friend. I am eternally grateful for everything she has ever done for me. I am grateful for the structure she has added to my life. I couldn't imagine my life without her, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her. Odyssey lost a great ME and a wonderful person. Love you always Sami."
Kylee Wilson: "I was hesitant on joining Odyssey originally because of lack of knowledge of the program, what I would be doing, and if my voice would actually be heard. Within 2 minutes of talking with Sami, I knew this is something that I'd want to do long term. When people ask me what are some of my favorite things in life, I never once doubt that Odyssey is close to the top. I owe all of that and more to Sami. From an ME to a friend, to family, I couldn't thank her enough for all she's done."
Nicole Kindig: "She's so helpful and kind and amazing at her job! "
Mary Reynolds: "To be honest the ME I had first scared me because he really didn't hold back comments and was demanding more people. Then the girl I got after him barely spoke to me. Like she's didn't contact me at all, especially when I contacted her. Then randomly I got Sami's text saying she was my new ME. She was very organized and encouraging. She gave my community great ideas every week. I felt that I was in good hands and wasn't going to lose my community just because many people at my school don't write and are lazy. "
Rebecca Gibson: "Sami is like the self-esteem and drive I've lacked for so long. When I first met her, we instantly clicked. I was nervous but she pushed me and made me feel like I could conquer the world. She made me believe in myself and through her guidance I have become a better boss and a better writer. She's guided me and helped me and even let me cry to her about the tedious aspects of my life that aren't even tied to Odyssey. Sami is a life force. A good human. A good everything."
Odyssey, hopefully, you realize what you lost.
Holding on to hope,
Moriah
