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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.

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.  

OSSM is an experience that truly changed my life for the better.  The community of OSSM is amazing, and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

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 OSSM I have gained a better understanding of other cultures, a confidence in what I do even if I fail, and I now know more about what talents I have and how I can use them to achieve my dreams.  OSSM really has helped me mature and see what I can give back to others.

At OSSM, I learned leadership and responsibility.  Gaining knowledge went from a task that ought to be done to a joy that shapes who I am and who I may become.

The past two years, I’ve had the privilege to help a team of doctors with Alzheimer’s research. I’ve learned a great deal from this experience, but most importantly, I’ve discovered that my curiosity for the way the brain functions is endless. I find that each piece of new information I learn leads to more questions that I want answers to. I am excited to learn more as I pursue a degree in neuroscience and prepare for medical school

OSSM has really given me the challenge I have always looked for… [and] significantly increased my confidence when it comes to taking and handling challenging academic courses. Even during a worldwide pandemic, the faculty have been supportive, understanding, and caring! The resources and opportunities we get at this school are something I would never have gotten at my home high school!

OSSM has given me the community I didn’t even know I needed. The faculty and staff go above and beyond to make sure we succeed in and out of the classroom. I’ve made unparalleled bonds with the people here. OSSM has changed my life in so many ways, and I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.

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.