Getting to Know a Gage Park High School Freshman

Gage Park High School Principal Tamika Ball believes that all students should have well-rounded educational experiences at her school. Not only does she want her students to study hard and apply themselves in the classroom, but she also encourages them to prioritize joining clubs, making friends, and achieving a balance between studying and having fun. While most freshmen might need a bit of time to figure out how to succeed across all aspects of their time in high school, Bertin L. is off to a great start and has established himself as a great example for his peers. Get to know him more below. 

What are your interests inside the classroom?
Right now, I would say algebra. I don’t always do well in school, but I feel like this class will help me a lot. I’m currently learning about fractions. I’m also enjoying world studies because I like to learn about what life was like back in the past, as well as what we predict will happen in the future. 

What are you enjoying outside of school?
Outside of school, I tend to focus on art, especially drawing. I also like playing soccer, typically as the goalie.

How has your high school experience been so far?
It’s been different than I expected. To be honest, I expected it to be terrible because I’ve never done the greatest in school, but I feel like there aren’t any classes that I’m struggling with. My goals for the year are just to keep studying and learning. 

In your opinion, what makes a high school class engaging?
I enjoy classes that allow for a lot of collaboration. I love the opportunity to be studying and working together with my peers. As they say: “Teamwork makes the dream work!” 

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I’m not sure yet, but I think I can see myself studying in college to become a teacher. I think I would want to teach history and teach here in Chicago. 

What advice would you give yourself for the rest of high school?
Just to take a deep breath and keep going. 

Bertin’s advice to current eighth-graders is to keep working hard and not give up. The word that comes to mind when he thinks about high school is “good” because he’s excited about the opportunity to learn new things.