High school student Nick Robertson came to Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF) from a suburban Toronto district. He was surfing the web when he spotted a reference to Oasis Skateboard Factory, an alternative program in the Toronto District School Board. He says his first reaction was "Skateboards in school? It didn't seem possible." He applied, was accepted and took up residence with a relative in Toronto. He started in September 2011 as a Grade 11 student. He became immersed in OSF and adopted the brand "Kid Sqwid" for his boards and other artwork. In his previous school experiences, he tried to avoid writing but not now. Nor are there any issues about meeting deadlines. He now expects to return to his suburban Toronto high school in January, a move he sees as a "lot easier" after his OSF experience. Jake Skinner, 19, is thrilled about his school experience at OSF. He said that one of the main things about the place is that he can actually draw and not feel like he is doodling away and being yelled at for drawing on the side of his notes. Having learned the business side of art at OSF, he now plans to apprentice at a tattoo shop and start his own business. OSF teacher Craig Morrison gives much credit to Ted Hunter and Norah Jackson, co-owners of Roarockit Skateboard Company, for their close participation in the work of the alternative program. Mr. Hunter is a fulltime professor at OCAD specializing in furniture design. His wife, Ms. Jackson, comes from a graphic arts background. Mr. Hunter has a special feeling for the OSF students whose learning styles often don't fit well in mainstream schools.