Student Profile: Austin Krahl (Downers Grove, Ill.)

Austin is a junior from District 87.

OES: How has your OES experience differed from your expectation?

AK: I thought it would be harder for me. But now I know it teaches me what I need to learn at a rate I can work. I don’t have to wait for others and I can get help if I need it.

OES: Compare the work you are doing here with your district work.

AK: The work is the same but I find the tests easier because all the information I need is in the lesson.

OES: How do you like working on the computer?

AK: For me it’s better than sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher talk.

OES: Three hours isn’t a very long day. Is it enough time to get your work done?

AK: It works for me. I think I get more done than I did at school.

OES: You have extra time during the day. How have you been spending it?

AK: I’m helping my uncle build a decorative windmill. It will be 14 feet tall when we’re finished with fourteen and a half foot sails.

OES: Do you have a favorite class?

AK: Math. It’s always been easy for me.

OES: What about a least favorite?

AK: Chemistry. It’s hard but I do o.k.

OES: We haven’t talked about what it’s like working in the center. How has that been for you?

AK: It’s easy to focus here. There aren’t people talking. I don’t get distracted.

OES: Finally, if someone told you they were coming to Ombudsman, what would you tell them?

AK: It’s not a bad place. The day is only three hours long but most of all you get to earn your credits. That’s the most important thing.