Meet Odin!
One of The Open School’s OG students, he’s been part of the community for nearly a decade! As he prepares to graduate, his journey reflects years of growth, change, and meaningful experiences.
Like all students, Odin was encouraged to pursue passions and interests that were important to him. In this environment, he was given the freedom and independence to discover more about who he is, what matters most to him, and the path he wants to follow.
Throughout his time here, Odin has taken part in a variety of student leadership opportunities, including participating in the school’s justice system and a range of committees. He has also focused on his academics, taking classes such as math and physics, English, and even a psychology class at Fullerton College. At one point, he was given the opportunity to step into a teaching role, leading a weekly Algebra 2 class for other students. This was an experience Odin is very proud of, and he is grateful that the staff trusted him to take on this role.
Because of his commitment to academics, Odin recognizes the growth he has made in both his writing skills and mathematical abilities. He recently took the SAT and earned a score he is proud of! He dedicated himself to preparing for the test, putting in the time and effort needed to achieve an outcome he felt confident and satisfied with.
Odin’s next steps include attending community college for two years before transferring to a UC to pursue his bachelor’s degree in physics, with plans to continue on to his master’s. A PhD may also even be on the horizon! Odin has a strong passion for math and exploring the fundamental principles of the universe, and he hopes to continue his learning and discoveries through hands-on work in a lab one day.
As Odin prepares for his new path, he reflects with appreciation on the support and guidance he has received from his advisor, Aaron. He shares that choosing an advisor is an important decision—one that shouldn’t be random. It’s about finding someone you connect with, who has experience in areas you’re interested in and can help guide you in that direction.
For the students who come after him, Odin’s advice is to take matters into your own hands. You do not want to miss important information or deadlines related to your options after graduation. He encourages students to ask questions, reach out for help, and actively seek out resources. Waiting for others to take the lead can hold you back—this is your life, and taking initiative is essential.
Odin also strongly recommends dual enrollment, as it provides a valuable opportunity to earn college credits early and get a head start on your future!
Looking back on his journey, Odin is grateful for the many impactful experiences he had along the way. One of the highlights of his time here was participating in two student-led travel adventures, where he helped raise funds, budget, and plan alongside his cohort group. In April 2025, he and five other students organized a two-week trip to Chicago. During his time there, he especially enjoyed the food and appreciated the kindness and neighborly atmosphere of the people he encountered.
His second adventure took place in April 2026, when he traveled to San Francisco for a week. He found this trip easier and more affordable to plan, and it offered its own fun experiences. He particularly loved visiting Golden Gate Park and enjoyed spending time with his sister who lives up there!
As he remembers these special memories, Odin also looks ahead to what lies in front of him. He feels excited to step into something new and is ready to embrace a different environment filled with new challenges and new people. Through his dual enrollment experiences, he recognized that he thrives in a more traditional classroom setting. With that understanding, he feels confident and prepared to continue pursuing that path in his next chapter!
