The Odyssey Online at Barnard has just relaunched, featuring a staff of some new, some old and all skilled writers. The talented and diverse women who make of Barnard's chapter of The Odyssey Online are dedicated to sharing their thoughts, opinions and ideas with the Barnard College community and beyond. Read on to find out more about the dedicated staff.
Kristen Akey, writer
Kristen Akey hails from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin and is a rising freshman at Barnard. With plans to study political science and anthropology, she loves to write for the sake of learning and researching. She stated, "I believe people should be fully informed and aware of what is happening in the world around them. Through words, we are able to share and express these stories, views and opinions. Writing enables me to share my voice." In addition to the power of words, she believes in the power of rainbow sprinkles.
Pavi Chance, writer
Voyaging from Edmonds, Washington, Pavi is interested in studying English as a new Barnard freshman. She commonly covers contemporary political, scientific and cultural issues. She said, "Journalistic writing enables me to articulate my thoughts on issues and events in a clear, concise way. Researching for my articles also gives me the opportunity to learn more about topics that interest me." Besides writing, Pavi also has an unhealthy obsession with space disaster movies.
Ana Cruz, writer
Originally from Queens, NY, Ana is a rising Barnard senior with a double major in economics and social history. She enjoys covering anything from sports to emotions on The Odyssey Online. "I like expressing my point of views and love finding people who agree with me, but more importantly, those who disagree and make a valid argument," she said. Additionally, she is a big fan of mugs and raccoons.
Arminda Downey-Mavromatis, writer
Arminda is going to be a freshman at Barnard this year, with plans of studying Chemistry far away from her home of Gurnee, Illinois. She likes to write about science and feminism, with a goal of uplifting others and encouraging others to also do so. She believes there are many stories to be told and she wants to be the one to tell them. She is so passionate about everything in her life that she once committed to deeply to sleep and slept through a Tornado alarm.
Baila Eisen, writer
Traveling from Boca Raton, California, Baila greets Barnard as a freshman this year, planning to study both English literature and creative writing. She likes writing about her own life, Israel (where she spent the past year), Judaism and "random really weird sci-fi sort of things that I think up in the shower," as she said herself. She writes because writing his her truest form of therapy and self expression. Also, she is a crowd pleaser at parties as she can walk on stilts.
Amira Farid, contributing editor
From Astoria, New York, Amira is making the short trek to Barnard to study computer science this fall as a freshman. Most of her stories are about technology, current events and lifestyle, allowing her to document her opinions and growth over the years. She said, "Writing helps me keep track of my thoughts, and as I grow older, I can see how my thoughts and opinions have changed. It's also an outlet that lets me connect with others on different levels." In other wise words, she said, "I often like to pretend my life is a Korean drama, which is the side effect of binge watching dramas 24/7.
Olinah Hassan, writer
Traveling to Manhattan from Andover, Massachusetts, Olinah is planning on pursuing International Relations, Film and Computer Science as a incoming freshman at Barnard. She enjoys covering human rights, white privilege, intersectionality, among many other things. Her passion for writing springs from her love of voicing her opinion and thoughts, to understand her self more deeply and possibly affect change. Also, if she could be any fruit, she would be a pineapple.
Stacy Kanellopoulos, writer
Abigail Kempf, Editor-in-Chief
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Abigail is venturing to Barnard to double major in cellular and molecular neuroscience and physiological and organismal biology as a freshman. As a journalist for three years at her high school, she finds passion in writing when covering social justice issues, activism, theatre and science. While her ultimate goal is to be a Ph.D./M.D. neurosurgeon and medical researcher, she hopes to continue writing throughout her life as a way to share her opinions and, hopefully, affect change. While she loves many things, her love for Harry Potter trumps all else.
Briana Lee, writer
Alondra Lucero, writer
A born and breed New Yorker, Alondra is from Queens, traveling to Manhattan as a Barnard sophomore. She enjoys covering attention grabbing topics, especialy ones that include humor. She said, " Writing is such a powerful tool that allows me to voice my opinion for others to read. There will be people who agree with me or disagree with me, but that is expected. However as long as I can get my voice out there, I am happy. " Despite her exuberant energy, she has never had a sip of coffee.
Angela Myers, writer
Gauri Narayan, writer
Sarah Patafio, writer
Connie Raptis, contributing editor
Connie is a born New Yorker with plans of studying neuroscience as a freshman at Barnard come fall. She enjoys writing about the world around her. She said, "I am totally inspired by almost anything I encounter, so my surroundings, whether geographic location, people and political climate greatly affect me and my writing." She loves to write as written word is arguably the most important tool humans have, allowing humans to share their ideas and possible create change. As outgoing and ambitious as she is, her spirit animals is still a house cat.
Anna Rekow, writer
Samantha Seltzer, writer
Alicia Simba, writer
