With 2023 OU graduate Jolie and current OU sophomore Kelsey in the family, Candessa Teehee has gone through the admissions process as a parent twice in recent years, and through that, she has gained a unique perspective on the possibilities waiting for students at the University of Oklahoma.
As a parent, I wanted my daughters to have a full and well-rounded experience at a university that also offered outstanding academics. What specifically stood out to me during the admissions process was that in both cases, admissions counselors had such a personal touch. There was so much care, attention, and reassurance. It was welcoming and comforting to know they were being taken care of.
I tried to be an objective sounding board for them as they weighed pros and cons. I didn’t want to lead them in a specific direction because I wanted them to be the one who made their own choice for college. I have seen students pushed in one direction or another by parents and it never seems to have good results. I am fortunate to have children who value education and that they have chosen to call OU home.
I knew I wanted my kids to choose a place that could support not just their academic needs, but their identities and passions. For my daughters, it was important to attend a college that also provided resources to meet their social and cultural needs. I knew it was a lot to ask from any college, but OU has a plethora of resources like helpful staff to aid all students in their transition to higher education.
No matter who you are or where you come from, you can find a home at OU. The student body supports so many interests and possibilities. The OU I experienced is not Jolie’s and neither is it Kelsey’s. They’ve each blazed a unique path that fit them perfectly. No school is perfect, but I think what marks OU as special is a willingness to evolve. I genuinely hope I will have grandchildren who will attend OU one day.
Jolie made the absolute most of her time on campus. She was well integrated into student life and joined a sorority where she had a leadership role. She gained significant experience and academic skills that led to her internship at First United Bank, which subsequently turned into a job in her chosen field immediately following graduation.
Before going to OU, she attended an OU summer engineering camp, where she met friends who were passionate about the same things. I knew she was already off to a great start. As an engineering student, she’s put in countless hours of studying, and she’s done that alongside friends who work together to understand the material. She also attended conferences for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. By the end of her freshman year, she found a second home in OU.
Jolie rushed for a sorority before the semester began. It was a whirlwind for her, but also confirmed she was in the right place. She made friends, found a house, and everything just fell into place from there. After that, she became part of the OU community, learned the OU chant and traditions, and discovered all about the paths OU offers.
Kelsey might have had an older sister at OU, but she found her own path to the university when she was searching for colleges. The summer engineering program set her on a productive path and gave her a peer group and friends to discover campus with, where she experienced her own OU traditions!
Kelsey Morgan, Candessa's youngest daughter, shares why the support and community at OU helped her make the final leap in the decision to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Candessa's oldest daughter Jolie Morgan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in May 2023. Jolie grew up dreaming of crimson and cream, and earning her degree from the University of Oklahoma means she has accomplished her dreams as the child of two OU graduates.
Learn more about the opportunities awaiting your student and the admissions process through the OU Family Guide, a resource created for parents.
