I came to OCSA because I remember taking the summer courses at OCSA when I was in like 3rd grade, where I got placed in Ms. Joy's class. After that, I got connected with her studio somehow and began taking lessons there. She introduced me to the idea of applying for OCSA's visual arts program and told me how great OCSA was so I was like sure, why not, sign me up! During that time, I was attending a school (which was also not considered "local") that I literally grew up in since preschool. It was mainly a decision between staying there for the rest of middle school or going to OCSA (if I got in). Clearly I got accepted, so I took this as a sign that I should probably jump on this opportunity and see where it takes me.