A student in the Oak Park Unified School District since fourth grade, junior Ashley Yeow may lose her place in the district should a District of Choice program not continue.

While living in Newbury Park, Yeow has been able to attend Oak Park schools for eight years as a District of Choice student.

“It’s been pretty awesome, because it’s this little bubble, so you know everyone and everyone is really sweet to everyone,” Yeow said. “It’s this little close community of Oak Park kids who are just trying to be cool.”

Yeow has been involved in various programs on campus.

“Mock Trial was interesting, band was really fun because we all bond over music, but basketball is my favorite thing by far,” Yeow said. “We aren’t just a program; we are a family. I know people say that and don’t really mean it, but we are a true family.”

Yeow said she has learned valuable life lessons from her experiences on the court.

“Basketball has taught me 85 percent of the life lessons I know, because it teaches you to work hard and never give up,” Yeow said. “If you fall down, you literally have to get up, even if you are in pain.”

Along with her teammates, her coaches help boost her confidence, Yeow said.

“I used to not be able to score because I was just too scared to shoot the ball, but coach is always like ‘Ashley, shoot the ball.’” Yeow said. “I just kept practicing and I’m finally where I want to be.”

Yeow said Oak Park’s competitive academic environment further motivates her.

“If you have the kids who are telling you that you are fine getting a 70 [percent], you won’t work as hard,” Yeow said. “But if you have kids who are getting really good grades, you are motivated to get good grades too.”

At school, Yeow said the faculty and administration are “kind and supportive.”

“The teachers want you to do well in life, and the administrators are almost always there if you need them,” Yeow said.

Yeow has expressed concerns about transferring back to her district of residence, Conejo Valley Unified.

“I’m not exactly up to [CVUSD] standards for varsity, so I wouldn’t be able to do my passion — basketball. It’s also going to mess up the classes that I’ve been taking, because they probably won’t offer some,” Yeow said.

Yeow said she is apprehensive about the possibility of switching schools.

“It is just so much love all around, and we all care for each other because Oak Park is an actual family. It’s going to be terrible if I have to switch out,” Yeow said. “It’s just going to be very different and I don’t know how I feel about it.”