Team Building
Far from just a newsroom, the ODYSSEY class is a community of like-minded and motivated teammates. To help create closer working relationships but also simply to make friends on staff, I've participated in numerous staff bonding activities.
Journalism Conferences
I've made some of my most lasting memories at statewide, regional, and national conferences alongside my fellow staff members. At these conferences, we do everything together, including eat with particular groups, attend sessions on certain aspects of journalism, and sleep with our with our roommates.
Cycle Celebrations
At the end of every production cycle, the ODYSSEY staff holds an in-class banquet with food that people bring in. The celebration is a break from the usual day-to-day working environment of the class and an opportunity to reconnect with the staff. Additionally, the Leadership Team compiles awards for these celebrations, with small rewards for those who win.
Game/Event Coverages
As a former Sports Editor, I've written a lot of game coverages, meaning it's no coincidence that many of my closest friends on staff have been photographers. These coverages are both fun and important, while the after-game work sessions and meals are always a great place to combine productivity with a feeling of accomplishment.
Valentine's Day Celebration
On Valentine's Day, the ODYSSEY staff takes a break from the classroom activities to simply celebrate one another. This celebration is often silly, but in reality, it's also a heartwarming reminder of that fact that most of us in the room are more than colleagues -- we're friends.
Creative Writing Project
The Creative Writing Project is a break from traditional journalism where we split from our respective staffs and work to make content for the iliad Literary Art Magazine, our sister publication. This is a great opportunity to work with those outside our usual sphere and get our brains out of a strictly journalistic mindset.
End-of-year Banquet
To commemorate the graduating seniors and celebrate the work the ODYSSEY staff has done throughout the year, the publication hosts a catered banquet. From the first one I attended as a freshman, I knew that this event was special, as some of the senior speeches made me tear up when talking about their time in the program. The formal attire and sentimentality of the occasion makes it one of the most heartwarming, if bittersweet, times of the year.
Mental Health
It hasn't always been at the forefront of my mind, but as Editor-in-Chief, I've made the mental health of my staff a priority. Journalism, especially journalism done at the high level expected in the ODYSSEY, is extremely rigorous, so whenever possible, I make allowances for people to feel safe first, and work second. You might be wondering why I put this in Team Building, but in my experience, when people feel comfortable to be vulnerable with me as a leader, that bond is stronger than anything. Below are some safeguards I've instituted to protect my staff's mental health.
Alternate Assignments
When a staffer feels overwhelmed or is struggling with their mental health, Mr. Ragsdale and I request a meeting to determine next steps. If a student is struggling sufficiently and requests help, Mr. Ragsdale and I put together alternate assignments that allow them to prioritize their mental health. For example, I've put together plans for staffers to assume less strenuous editing duties instead of writing a Newsmagazine story, or allowed a staffer to organize Media Day instead of write a complete menu.
Talk in the Halls
If I see a staffer struggling or close to having an emotional moment, I'll take them out to talk in the halls rather than let them combust in the classroom. These chats are often beneficial not just for the person, but for me -- if someone's feeling stressed and it impacts their work, there's a good chance that it will somehow impact mine too. If I can calm the person down by listening to them vent or talking them through their issue (even if it's not journalism-related), then they trust me and our bond grows even more.
Take a Walk
If a staffer looks stressed and I can't leave in the moment, I'll often ask them if they need to take a walk. Sometimes, all people need is a break from the newsroom environment and to feel some fresh air, or else a moment to compose themselves. In a high pressure environment, the moments where people can escape the burden for a moment can be priceless.