The Oakhill Difference: One Alumna’s Story of Growth and Gratitude

Thank you to everyone who came out for Oakhill Day School’s 2024 Parents' Night. As we gathered to celebrate the dedication and commitment that our community has for the success and well-being of its students, it was clear that, whether new to Oakhill or seasoned members of the Oakhill family, we all shared a common goal: to ensure that the students receive the best education in a nurturing, supportive environment. That evening, we had the privilege of hearing from one of our own, an alumna, Brianna Duncan (Ely) '11, who not only thrived at Oakhill but has taken the values and lessons learned here to make a difference in the world.

As a mental health therapist, she has seen firsthand how crucial a supportive educational environment is, especially for adolescents. Her story was a powerful testament to the lasting impact Oakhill can have on a student’s life, and the kind of future we can build for our children when we invest in their education and well-being.

We were grateful to have her share her journey and insights with us.

---

Brianna's Story

As a mental health therapist who has worked with my share of adolescents going through middle school into high school, I have seen firsthand how difficult the experiences can be for too many. Throughout these sessions, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for my educational experience that I must attribute ODS for.

Throughout my entire time as an Oakhill student, I would wake up with excitement to go to school because of my connections, the top-tier education I received, the support, and the culture that made me feel like I mattered, that I was worthy, and that I deserved the best out of my life. I felt seen and validated, and challenged in the ways that mattered the most. I now see so many people as adults who never received that support and love, especially throughout education.

My parents did everything within their power and control to provide me the opportunity to go to Oakhill. My mom even began working at Oakhill shortly after I began, when I was so young, and over a decade after I graduated from Oakhill, my mom still works here. Even she couldn’t leave, and I’m not sure if she ever will. Oakhill is home.

Children spend more waking hours at school than they do at home often times. School is not only a place where children go to learn math and how to spell … it is a safe place where children can work toward establishing their identity, values, self-esteem, ethics, and self-belief.

I can speak from personal experience that Oakhill is a place where I received persistent reinforcement of my innate value and worth as a child, and that belief instilled in me that I could achieve my goals and life worth loving. Assuming I’m blessed enough to have kids of my own, I will trust them at Oakhill and I will drop them off every day, knowing that they will be receiving the best education, in the safest, most supportive place where they can thrive. All kids deserve that opportunity.

Oakhill prepared me with healthy work ethic and top-tier education that also made learning so much fun! I do believe the sound foundation that Oakhill has provided me, is what sparked my passion for learning, gaining knowledge, and eventually going to graduate school to continue that process.

I feel blessed and grateful to have received this foundation from Oakhill’s teachers, and administration who led by the beautiful example that I hope to now be for my clients.

Want to share your alumni story? Let's Connect!
Contact Maggie Newhouse to see how you can connect with Oakhill this year to share your story with the community!