Zoey’s Story

Class of 2027

Coming from a large high school where competition was fierce and students were easily lost in the crowd, Zoey knew she never wanted to be just a face in the crowd again. Though she had dreamed of attending the University of Michigan since middle school—and was even accepted early in her senior year—she paused to ask herself where she would truly grow. That self-reflection led her to Oak Valley College, drawn by its hands-on business focus from day one, required internships, close-to-home location, and the rare opportunity to learn directly from seasoned entrepreneurs.

When Zoey first stepped onto campus, she was quiet and introverted, often keeping her thoughts to herself. But through constant presentations, encouraging faculty who drew out her potential, and stepping up as a student leader in her cohort, her confidence blossomed. That growth extended deep into her academic and personal outlook. In her Philosophy class, she learned to navigate challenging conversations with grace and embrace new perspectives. Professionally, meeting devout Christian CEOs showed her how faith and business could seamlessly intertwine—inspiring her to lead with a Spirit-filled presence in everything she does.

Within her cohort, Zoey found a second family. Bound together by shared challenges, their strongest connections were often built in the campus parking lot—a space filled with shared laughter, post-exam debriefs, tears, and unconditional support. Through every high and low, her tight-knit cohort stood by one another every step of the way.

Now preparing for her next chapter, the once-quiet freshman moves forward with unshakeable confidence in her voice and her vision. Grounded in her faith and fully equipped by her time at Oak Valley, Zoey is setting her sights on law school, eager to use her gifts to create meaningful, lasting change in the world.