Opinions of recently graduated OM alumni

As the school year draws to a close, the end of the year is coming with many mixed emotions from students. Many seniors are either excited and filled with anticipation or petrified and fearful of what is to come after high school. Most juniors are fretting over AP exams and the SATs, and are starting to think seriously about what they want to do with their lives. Many underclassmen are either cruising through or struggling to maintain their coursework and extracurriculars. So I wanted to ask, can former alumni give us any pointers to make the journey easier?

Shannon Bache, Class of ‘23 Graduate, OM NHS & BSAP member, current freshman at Towson University majoring in Political Science

“My high school years at OMHS were some of the best that a girl could ask for. I was supported by a community that welcomed me with open arms. I was a transfer to the school and it felt like I had been there since my freshman year. There were a lot of ups and downs but [I had the] opportunity to be a mentor to underclassmen, a leader on the board of scholars leadership, a finalist for OM’s Student Maryland Assembly, speaking at my graduation, winning Homecoming and Prom court, and making friendships and connections that I hope last a lifetime. With all the good there was also some bad, but there was staff at OM that made me feel so safe and protected. I personally do not think anything can prepare you for college because everyone’s journey is going to be different and they are going to endure their trials and tribulations. But there are people who you can talk to at OM who are there to support you through the transition of ‘child’ to ‘adult.’ Mr. McCaskill once shared a quote with me […] about how students are supposed to feel prepared for adulthood and complete self-reliance when only a couple of months prior they still had to raise their hand to use the bathroom. That has stuck with me ever since because even for the short time I’ve been here, nothing’s ever rung truer to my ears. College readiness can only happen if you make it happen and remember that you don’t have to rush to do everything. Opportunities will come to you when it is your time to receive them. So, make the most of what you have, and don’t be scared to make mistakes because that is how we learn. Also, always carry OM with you… it is hOMe and you should be proud that you graduated from such a one-of-a-kind high school.” (Bache’s Instagram: @shannonbache_).

Annmarie Weaver, Class of ‘23 Graduate, current freshman at UMBC

 “I’ll try and make this short and sweet, but high school’s a chaotic, wild ride. When I first walked through these school’s doors as a lowly rising freshman in the summer of 2019, I could’ve never anticipated all the extraordinary, the good (I prefer to err on the side of optimistic thinking), the bad, and the real ugly (COVID) that I’d have to weather, but never alone. Enjoy your high school years while you still can, kids! I’m hardly even a grown woman who peaked in high school myself, and I’m still regretting not cherishing my time to the absolute fullest.” (@annmarieweave)

Ethan Neylan, Class of ‘23 Graduate, freshman year at UMD

“Blissful ignorance and practically no responsibilities is the greatest thing kids have that we never really treasure until it’s lost forever. Even just the starting stages of freshman year in college can be so incredibly overwhelming and a stark departure from even the absolute worst-case scenarios you ran over in your head. I still love UMD and I don’t want to be a kid forever, but fool around as much you can in your school years so you can lock in when the going gets tougher.” (@ethanneylan)