This week, meet freshman Serene Alsikafi as she navigates freshman year—building community, trying new things, and making lasting memories.
Serene Alsikafi (SA)
Anderson Miller (AM)
What’s your favorite lunch or snack at Latin so far?
From the kiosk, it is definitely a chocolate chip cookie.
What’s your favorite thing to do during a free period?
Probably either hanging out with my friends or going to Starbucks.
Do you have a favorite spot in Chicago to go to with friends or family?
I like going to Altitude, the trampoline park.
What’s something from freshman year that you’re never going to forget?
Probably being able to experience freshman year with my older brother, because we’ve never really been in the same school before, and he’s going to college next year.
What’s one thing that most people wouldn’t know about you?
Something people might not know is that I play the piano.
Which class has surprised you the most this year, and why?
Definitely physics, because we have tests every week, or even twice a week. It is a lot harder and just different than I was expecting.
What’s something you’re excited to try or do for the rest of freshman year?
I’m really excited for Project Week.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned so far at Latin that’s stuck with you?
That you want to make sure to introduce yourself to people you haven’t really talked to, especially during the first few months of school.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Probably a kitten.
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
I’m really into house music right now, but also older songs, like “Locked Away.”
What’s your favorite Latin tradition so far that you’ve experienced?
Definitely the pep rally and activities before Homecoming, because it felt like we were all one strong community, and it was fun to be a part of my first school-wide experience.

