OSSM is an experience that breaks me down, but builds me up. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and exposed my weaknesses. But it gave me the environment to motivate myself in any given challenge and grow stronger along with the rest of our community.

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!  

I learned that I have a passion for physics that I did not know I had.  At my home school, I would have never taken any physics class.  But, because of the exceptional physics program at OSSM, I found a major portion of what my passions are.

OSSM helped me the find the people that care about me and push me to be better every day.

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 been an amazing experience for me. Although the classes are challenging, they interest me and stimulate my mind in ways that my home school never could. However, the community has had the most profound impact on me; it is clear to me that wherever I go, I will never meet people or have a community quite like the one at OSSM.

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!)

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 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 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.