The Colgate Odyssquad is an elite task force of passionate writers, comprised of all class years, cliques, clubs, and cohorts. Established in August 2015, our team has worked hard to achieve journalistic integrity and bring unheard voices to the forefront of our small community and share their words across the world wide web. Welcome to the Writer Showcase Series, where we introduce you to our staff the best way we know how - in 500 words.
Helen Misiewicz: Hey Allegra, where do you call home?
Allegra Padula: I’m from Albany, NY!!
HM: So even though you have some time before you declare your major, what are you thinking about studying here at Colgate?
AP: I’m thinking about being a Biology Major and an English Minor.
HM: Wow! Impressive, Bio is definitely a challenging course, good for you! So when you’re not doing all that schoolwork, what are you up to here on campus?
AP: I’m the Vice President of the Global Health Initiative, Stockbridge Valley STEM Tutoring Co- President, the Co-Founder of Circle K International, and I’m involved in the Arts and Features section of Maroon News.
HM: That’s awesome, you definitely have your hands full! So, what is it that makes you *swoon* about Colgate?
AP: I love the freedom to learn about anything and not be restricted to requirements for a major; Colgate embodies everything a liberal arts education should be. I'm so happy to be able to combine my studies of writing and science. And I love the close-knit community; everyone has an eagerness to learn, to be involved on campus, to make a change, and to tell their stories.
HM: Totally agree there, man. What about the Odyssey makes you love it so much?
AP: Joining the Odyssey community has been the best choice I've made here at Colgate. The freedom of expression, the feedback from friends/family, the easiness with which I can produce 500+ words every week, the constant motivation to produce new ideas, watching new writers join us!
HM: Very true, we have quite the Odyssey Community here with the Colgate Odyssquad. Other than Colgate and the Odyssey, what makes you excited about life in general?
AP: Poetry. My favorite poetry is definitely a huge range, I can't pick just one...my American Poetry class this semester w Prof. Balakian has definitely made Emerson and Whitman up there. I also love Edna St. Vincent Millay, Shakespeare, Robert Frost, Coleridge..Other than poetry, I love the diversity of marine life. Watching Titanic. Cheese.
HM: Poetry is the best of all time, mad respect for you right there. So, what’s your favorite thing that you’ve written for the odyssey?
AP: "On Minds of Many Interests," my very first article!
HM: Great article, I would recommend it to everyone. What’s your favorite thing that you’ve read on the Odyssey?
AP: "All My Favorite Bands Are Dead, Broken Up, Or No Longer Touring" by Colgate's very own Pami White! It's truly #relatable.
HM: Pami is the cutest, a great member of the Odyssquad. So, why do you want to see others write for the Odyssey?
AP: Because when you feel your voice needs to be heard, this is the perfect opportunity to not be afraid to speak your mind eloquently.
HM: #truth. So, Allegra, is there anything else you think people should know about you? Fun facts? Crazy stories? Deep, dark secrets?
AP: I live for making people laugh. I captured first place against several published adult authors in a community-wide poetry contest. I love art history. And I relate on a spiritual level to Arthur from PBS.
Read Allegra’s articles here and follow her on Instagram & Snapchat @allegrajuliet13
To request an invitation to the Colgate Odyssquad, follow this link.
