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Through the rigorous academics offered, OSSM has allowed me to feel well-prepared for college and beyond. OSSM has presented students with many opportunities that would not be available to them at their traditional home high schools. Students of OSSM become a tight-knit community, and [although] we have switched [temporarily] to virtual learning due to COVID-19, faculty has continued to work towards keeping the same academic standards for students.

OSSM has changed my life. I have learned so much, met so many amazing people, and had many opportunities. The heavy course load has shown me that I can accomplish anything, no matter how hard it seems. I have met a lot of people that have similar ambitions as me and we have grown together throughout our time at OSSM.

It’s important to remind yourself that no matter how many disappointments you face or how many times you fail, you just have to pick yourself up and keep working towards your goals.  If you do, eventually your successes will outweigh your failures and you will accomplish the goals you set for yourself.  It took me two semesters at OSSM to learn this, but I know I will never forget it.  

OSSM prepared me for a petroleum engineering undergraduate program which helped me start my first semester of college as a sophomore and have a higher GPA after that first semester.   (See more of Tyler’s story HERE!)

OSSM has changed my life because it challenged me academically as student. Growing up, I wasn’t the smartest nor the best at academics, but I enjoy a good challenge because it conditions my commitment and perseverance. In addition, OSSM gave me close relationship with other like-minded individuals, living and learning with each other.

Coming from rural Oklahoma, my ambition to be an aerospace engineer didn’t draw out many peers or mentors from my community.  Besides the academic growth that came from attending, OSSM  impacted me by helping me grow extensive peer and professional networks, which have since led to several exclusive opportunities.  Since graduating in Spring 2018, I have completed two summer internships with The Boeing Co. and written a proposal accepted by NASA.

OSSM has provided me with a community and education I could not have achieved at my home high school. The friendships I have made at OSSM will last a lifetime and the academics have prepared me for a successful career. OSSM has also allowed me to grow as a person. Being at OSSM has made me a kinder, more resilient, and more well-rounded person. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

OSSM has opened up so many new doors to me and has given me the chance to meet new people and explore the person I want to be. This place is unlike any other and it is overall amazing to be here.

At home I could not have received the level of academic support or the caliber of college counseling I receive at OSSM.  Living at OSSM taught me I can volunteer more, learn more, work more, and achieve more than I ever thought possible.  A million thanks to all who make it possible for students like me to take advantage of the biggest opportunity Oklahoma has to offer.

OSSM has challenged me to not only learn more about math and science, but also about myself.  I feel so lucky to live with so many amazing people with inspiring goals and ambitions.  I’ve grown so much here and am so excited to see the impact this school will have on me even after I graduate.