Student Profile: Amari Paige (Downers Grove, Ill.)

Amari is a junior from District 87.

OES: This is your second year with us. How are things different this year?

AP: I came in the middle of the year last year, so it was kind of hard. Since I started here this year I’ve been able to pace myself more.

OES: How do you like computer aided instruction?

AP: It’s pretty okay. It’s better than sitting in a classroom listening to teachers talk and talk and talk. Here I learn things I need. At my old school they gave us unnecessary assignments.

OES: Compare the work you do here to what you have done at your district school.

AP: The English is the same. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 the work here is a 7 or 8.

OES: How does your mom feel about the program?

AP: She likes it. She just wants me to do well and succeed in all my subjects.

OES: What’s your favorite subject?

AP: Geometry. I like numbers and shapes.

OES: What’s the most difficult?

AP: Chemistry. The formulas and calculations are hard.

OES: Let’s talk about your teachers.

AP: They’re cool, very, very cool.

OES: What do you think of the environment in the center?

AP: I feel like I fit in. I don’t feel out of place. I give respect and get respect back.

OES: Any thoughts yet about life after high school?

AP: I want to go to college and study technology of some kind.

OES: How do you spend your time outside of school?

AP: I’m on the track team at West.

OES: What are your events?

AP: The 4×100 relay, 55 meter run and high jump.

OES: Has the season started yet?

AP: Yes, we have a conference meet with Proviso West this weekend.

OES: If you knew someone who was going to join us, what would you tell them?

AP: Give it a chance, you might like it here. Just keep your head clear and do your work.