Although it has been over two years since Em lost her father, she continues to struggle to handle her parents’ estate. Holding back tears, she notes, “Before January 2023, I don’t think I could have told you one thing about what ‘probate’ meant, and now it’s something that I think about almost daily. If you or someone you know is putting off the difficult task/conversation around making a will, let this be a sign to make it a priority. I have spent countless hours on hold, talking with bankers, getting advice from lawyers, and learning about the probate process – all of which I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I know I won’t get this time back, and it makes me sad to know that I’m using my dad’s hard-earned money to cover lawyer fees that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Knowing that all of this could have been avoided had my parents taken the time to create a will is what motivates me to start these kinds of conversations with close friends and complete strangers – it’s something concrete and doable that can have a profound impact on your loved ones.”
Em’s experience as the child of parents from such vastly different cultures makes her reach out with special empathy to Odyssey students who are refugees—whether from Iraq, Syria, Tibet, El Salvador, or Sudan. “I heard firsthand from my dad how hard it is to move to a different country, learn a different language, and move away from your family for a better life, so if I can be a person in Odyssey students’ lives that provides a smile and makes them feel welcome, I will never pass up on that opportunity.”
Somewhat shy, Em also identifies with Odyssey students who initially are reluctant to speak up in class or act out parts from plays. “I’m always in awe of the ways our students develop their voices and confidence throughout their time with Odyssey. Talking in front of a large group is something that I still dread, yet each Odyssey student speaks at a podium in front of hundreds of people during the Odyssey graduation ceremony, something that truly never ceases to amaze and inspire me.”
A day in the life of a program manager can involve a bit of everything—overseeing all parts of the program, running staff meetings, supervising staff handling classroom set-up, food orders, and chartered buses, facilitating strategic planning and evaluation of the program, taking photos for newsletters, and getting information to donors and board members.
“Em unquestionably is our program manager extraordinaire and the glue of Odyssey,” says Director Emily Auerbach. “I always tell everyone she’s the Emily to go to if you want things done competently. I can’t begin to tell you how many times she’s rescued me from technology failures and scheduling snafus, always with graciousness and calm.”
For Em, the best part comes from getting to know the students and their families. “I absolutely love working for Odyssey, and my favorite part of each year is meeting the new students. They all have such amazing and powerful stories to tell, and they each show such profound resilience, something that has often gotten me through some of the hardest times in my own life. I consider myself extremely lucky to play even a small part in their journeys.”