I remember my first big brainstorming session. We were an unruly bunch of sixth graders sitting around a kitchen table. We needed to design a propulsion system for our vehicle. It had to be simple enough for us to build ourselves. We had limited time and resources. It had to be good. But the most difficult part was that we all had to agree on how to build it. We all had ideas. Every kid is full of good ideas but we were looking for a great idea. After what seemed like hours of talking, listening, drawing, explaining, agreeing and disagreeing we had it – a great idea! It felt great to be a part of that session. That is what Odyssey of the Mind is all about.

Everyone has had a great idea at some point in his or her life. That ‘Eureka’ moment happens when you know you’ve got the idea figured out. It’s palpable and energizing. Usually, a great idea comes from a group of people with good ideas working together. When a great idea comes to life, everyone knows it. Inspiration comes from within ourselves and from those around us. Great ideas are truly inspiring. I think those feelings of inspiration, energy and amazement are what got me hooked on Odyssey of the Mind all those years ago, and have kept me with it all these years since.

I competed in Odyssey of the Mind for six years. We designed vehicles, robots, computer programs and countless props and costumes. We wrote skits about aliens and international art thieves. We were kids from all different backgrounds and walks of life. There were good ideas, some ideas we chose to forget and great ideas. And though each year the teams changed, we always had a great time. Every year brought many ‘Eureka’ moments when we knew we were onto something really special.

After high school, I found out that I could still be a part of Odyssey of the Mind as an official. I wasn’t sure if I was comfortable rating other teams’ performances, especially having been on so many teams myself, but I signed up anyway. I was blown away, inspired, energized and amazed. Creativity truly is recognizable and remarkable to witness. I knew immediately that I was going to be judging for many years to come.

About eight years later, I got the word that the New York State Odyssey of the Mind Association (NYSOMA), which sanctions and oversees the program for the entire state, needed help. They were looking for volunteers to fill board member and officer positions. This seemed like a pretty big deal, and I wasn’t sure that I was the right person, but I figured that if they could use my help, I’d volunteer. Much to my surprise, I was offered the position of Secretary to the NYSOMA Board of Directors.

It only took a few minutes into the first meeting for me to realize that I was with the right group. I have never been around a more inspiring group of people in my life. They’re creative, cooperative, intelligent, and always building good ideas. It’s like being on an Odyssey team all over again except that our team works to make the program as good as it can be for everybody. It’s the most rewarding work you can have.

Every year brings new problems, challenges and possibilities, and every year NYSOMA has truly great ideas. It all comes full circle. The kitchen table keeps changing shape and the kids sitting around it are a little older than the usual Odyssey team, but great ideas are still coming from a group of people with good ideas working together. Great ideas are still energizing and inspiring. Great ideas are what Odyssey of the Mind is all about.