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Being at OSSM has driven me to focus more on my academics, and it has taught me how to utilize my time well. I constantly find myself surrounded by supportive peers and teachers, and . . . I will always be thankful for OSSM and everyone that I’ve met here, because through this school, I’ve found a new and more confident “me” that I know will thrive in the future.

OSSM is a mix of the most challenging experience I have ever had, and the most rewarding at the same time. I have learned so much so far, and I have gained friends I would have never gained anywhere else!

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!  

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.

At OSSM I have developed many skills that surpass college preparedness and qualify as life skills.  Living and learning with some of the brightest students. faculty, and staff in the nation is an honor and has enabled me to gain so much knowledge.  I expect to build on that knowledge exponentially!

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.  

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

My experience at OSSM has opened me up to not only amazing opportunities, but amazing friendships. I also was able to appreciate my culture and heritage while getting to know other cultures throughout the school!

I have learned the importance of managing a profound amount of work with spending time to relax.  Learning to balance the two ideas can change how you approach all work in life for the better, making you a more effective worker.