I’m Anna Buchanan from Washingtonville High School (Region 5)! I have done Odyssey for ten years, every year since third grade.

 

I started when I moved to a new school, and Odyssey was a perfect way for me to make new friends and use my creative skills in a productive manner.

 

I kept going back to Odyssey year after year because of how much I enjoyed it and felt like I belonged. I have done every problem besides structure and have placed nearly every year, going to States twice (three if the Covid year hadn’t messed up plans).

 

I am now a better public speaker and feel more confident in sharing my skills and talents with others. For high school, I am the Team Captain and have learned how to manage a team along with doing my own projects.

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I plan on attending a four-year University and getting a degree in Environmental Science and possibly becoming an Environmental Engineer.

 

Odyssey has changed my life and put me on the path to success. I am forever grateful to all of the wonderful people who made Odyssey real and allowed it to happen in my region.

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My name is Rylee Hoornbeck and I participated in the Pine Bush School District’s (Region 5) Odyssey of the Mind program for seven years.

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Competing for six of those years, I have learned to embrace challenges, think creatively, and work with a team to bring many intricate ideas to life. Through my years of participation, "I have found myself constructing elaborate props and writing humorous scripts.

 

Odyssey has given me the space to push boundaries and develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond competition. Through Odyssey of the Mind, I have gained confidence, and the ability to think unconventionally. I have also made most of my best friends that I think will last a lifetime. The experience of brainstorming wild ideas, turning them into something functional, and presenting them with my team has shaped how I approach challenges in all aspects of life.

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This fall, I will be attending Pace University’s Honors College in New York City, where I plan to major in Chemistry. I truly believe that Odyssey of the Mind will have a lasting impact on the way I think and help me succeed in college.

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I am Ashton Talma from Fairport (Region 14) and since third grade, I have been deeply engaged in Odyssey of the Mind.

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This program has fueled my passion for thinking outside the box and strengthened my ability to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and resourcefulness.

Odyssey of the Mind is not just about finding a solution; it is about developing unique, imaginative approaches to complex problems.

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In Odyssey of the Mind, my team has tackled a variety of challenges, excelling in theatrical performances. I have written scripts, composed songs, choreographed dances, and built devices to create engaging eight-minute skits.

 

These experiences have strengthened my creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which I know will be invaluable in my future. Through dedication and teamwork, my team has placed third in the World twice and fifth once.

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My experiences in Odyssey have inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field, where creative problem-solving is essential. I plan to attend SUNY Albany to study Biology, using the skills I have gained to address real-world challenges in medicine.