Muldrow student to be a senior at OSSM

Qiao Zhang, also known as Mickey, is a member of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) Class of 2023. A resident of Muldrow, he skipped one year of math at his local high school and took advanced classes including pre-calculus, AP Biology and Digital Technologies. Despite this success, he was frustrated by his lack of focus.

Looking for both academic and social opportunities, he learned about OSSM from a neighbor whose niece was an alumna. Recognizing his need for direction, he felt OSSM would create an environment that supported his desire for maturity and community.

“I realized I needed to put my life together before it was too late,” said Mickey. “OSSM has gifted me with a sense of urgency.”

What he appreciates most about OSSM is the community that is created among like-minded students. “I really appreciate the closeness I feel toward my peers,” he said. “I feel like I have finally found my place.”

He also appreciates that OSSM welcomes students from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. He will be the first in his family to attend college.

At 17, he is unsure about future career goals but will most likely go into medicine. His main priority, though, is to “set a solid foundation” for his future children—one that will help them find their place in a rapidly and constantly changing world.

Mickey is the son of Raymond and Dongmei Garrison of Muldrow.

OSSM partners with local high schools throughout the state to provide a college-level, academically advanced and tuition- free curriculum in science and mathematics to juniors and seniors. Created by the Oklahoma legislature in 1983, the school has served Oklahoma families from all 77 counties at its two-year residential public high school in Oklahoma City.