I learned how much a teacher could push me and nurture my education at the same time.  I also found a great network of friends that could help me out no matter the problem and I’m truly grateful I got to have this experience!  

OSSM has opened more doors for me than I ever imagined possible. OSSM has had a life-changing impact on the trajectory of my future.

In so many ways, my experience at OSSM grew me as a person by completely breaking down and rebuilding my perception of an excellent education. Not only was I able to experience a competitive yet collaborative school culture, but I learned much more than I ever thought possible.  

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.  

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.

I learned the value of true friendship and to be more accepting of my own imperfection (such as grades) because in the end we all learn from our faults and flaws and can always improve.  OSSM certainly has given me a first, real experience of hard work — There is no time or space for procrastination!  

There is a sense of security to be gained from similarity.  At OSSM, however, I have found my best friends are the most different from me, and I relish in our unique approaches to problem solving.  We all share in the ambition to better ourselves and the community we share.  

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.

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 opened up doors of opportunities that likely would have never been available if I didn’t make the decision to come here.  I suggest considering this wonderful institution.