New Expectations
The distance between hope and reality is often not a gulf but a step.
Three graduates of Root 2 Rise are taking the next step in their remarkable journey, thanks to the UW-Madison Odyssey Project, which makes higher education possible for those for whom college seems out of reach.
Emily Auerbach, the indefatigable co-founder and executive director and of the program for 23 years, said Odyssey has helped more than 500 students, most of whom were told they “weren’t really college material,” and who have subsequently overcome daunting handicaps such as poverty, homelessness, and learning disorders.
“I didn’t expect the experience to be so great. It opened doors that I thought were completely closed,” said Alisha Taylor, who was a “single mother with four kids and no money” when she participated in Odyssey 11 years ago. “It changed my outlook on life.”
Emily Auerbach (left) and Alisha and Shaneece Taylor.
Denise Hanson, executive director of Root 2 Rise, urged Alisha’s daughter, Shaneece Taylor (an alumnus of Root 2 Rise) to apply to Odyssey’s 2026 class. She was among 30 selected of the 150 who applied.
“I’m excited to see where this leads,” Shaneece said. She believes it will be invaluable in her work helping homeless youth (a career choice she attributes to her experience with Root 2 Rise).
Odyssey also offers programs for youth, seniors, graduates of Odyssey, and the incarcerated. Auerbach says the need exceeds capacity. She tries to help all who apply by assisting them directly or linking them with other sources of help.
Auerbach is “discouraged and appalled” by reduced government support for Odyssey and similar programs. Although such action “is an attack on every value I have,” Auerbach said it won’t discourage her.
Shaneece’s daughter participates in Odyssey Junior. Alisha participates in an Odyssey alumni program and has encouraged her mother to join a program for seniors. If her mother does participate, Odyssey would enrich the lives of four generations.
“We’re grateful to work in a community that offers programs such as Odyssey,” Hanson said. “Combined with our Thrive program, they ensure that the optimism and values fostered in Root 2 Rise will lead to rewarding careers and purposeful lives.”