Our Family & Community Engagement values our Alumni. We love to hear from them and see what they are up to after graduating! We want to start highlighting some of our awesome graduates as they take on the world as Oark Hornets!!!
Meet Carley Allen, a 2015 Oark graduate! Carley recently signed on as a feline-only veterinarian in St. Louis, Missouri. After a year, she plans on applying for a specialty residency. Check out Carley’s responses to our questions below! We are so thankful Carley took the time to answer these and catch us up on her life. We are so proud to call her a member of our Oark Hornet Family!!!
Why did you choose Oark Schools?
"I chose Oark because of my deep family ties to the school and community. Oark also offered a hometown feel which greatly enhanced my educational experience."
Who influenced you the most during your time at Oark Schools and why?
“I'm a bit biased because two of my favorite humans, my mom and aunt, work at the school. Overall, I don't think I could ever choose just one person who influenced me during my time at Oark. All of the teachers and staff were incredibly supportive, caring, and invested in student learning which translated to a profoundly positive impact on my basic education.”
Share your favorite OHS memory!
"Oh so many! Some of my favorite memories as a child are of swinging with my friends on the old playground swing set, napping on the carpet in my mom's classroom, or jumping in leaf piles under the old oak tree. And it's hard to forget those long evenings at school with Mom when other teachers' kids and myself would walk to the Oark General Store for a snack or some pie before venturing back to read library books, play computer games in Mrs. Sondy's, or create an enormous mess while "making art" in Mrs. Sampley's room."
What is the most important thing you learned at Oark Schools?
"I feel that some of the most important things I learned at Oark were how to make lasting friendships, what it means to be a family, and that hard work and a good attitude can get you a long way in life. I still utilize these skills to this day in my everyday life and career."
What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at Oark Schools?
"It sounds cliche, but give it your all and enjoy the amazing opportunities offered up to you by the caring individuals who have nothing but your best interest at heart. If you're willing to put in the effort, I can guarantee they'll double it. The benefits you'll reap the rest of your life will be endless, simply because you were willing to put in the work at a time when you had such a profound support system."
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
"I will soon be graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. My plans moving forward are to specialize in medical oncology with an emphasis in research and translational medicine."
What activities and sports were you involved in at OHS?
"I was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, FBLA, ACTAA, library club, BETA, shooting sports, archery, student council, and so much more."
What advice would you give current OHS students interested in pursuing a career in your field?
"Veterinary Medicine is a tough career to pursue, but absolutely worth every minute if you have a passion for serving animals and humans. This is especially true given the breadth of career options vet med has to offer. I highly recommend touring schools and talking to several current students and veterinarians in your field of interest to get a better understanding of their everyday lives. I'd also suggest shadowing or working in veterinary clinics of varying types to see what aspect of the field you enjoy most. It can be extremely competitive, so just remember to work hard but also take the time to enjoy yourself and make amazing friendships along the way."