Student Profile: Kenji Meeks (Downers Grove, Ill.)

Kenji is a junior from District 88 / Willowbrook

OES: Welcome back. How do you feel about returning to Ombudsman?

KM: At first I wasn’t happy, but it was the best decision.

OES: Why was it a good decision?

KM: There are many good reasons. The day is only three hours long. I can work at my own pace. I get more work done here.

OES: Any other reason?

KM: I like that I get to pick what I want to work on. I know I have to do it all, but sometimes it’s just nice to have a choice. I like working on the computer. That lets me do it my way. I don’t learn like everybody else.

OES: What classes do you think might be the most challenging for you this year?

KM: Chemistry. But it will be o.k.

OES: Are you starting to think about life after high school?

KM: Yes. I want to go to Columbia College. I’d like to get a place of my own, but I could live at home too.

OES: What would you like to study there?

KM: Music. I like to perform but I want to learn about the business side. I don’t know much about the business part. My brother has a studio. He wants to start his own label. I have a chance to be part of that. I feel I have the potential to be different.

OES: Any final thoughts?

KM: This is a nice school. It’s a place you can come to get your issues in order. Then you can focus on what you need to do.