Best and Brightest: Margo Bailey

We know they're good students. We know they're good athletes. So breaking from tradition - and taking a cue from Facebook ---the SouthtownStar recently approached dozens of area student-athletes and asked them to submit a list of 15 Random Things about themselves that we didn't already know.

Hometown: Markham.

High School: Crete-Monee.

Parents: Kenneth and Cynthia.

GPA: 4.372 (weighted).

ACT score: 26.

College choice: University of Chicago.

Sports: Track and cross country.

Other activities: Foreign Language Club.

15 Random Things

1. I love to dream and use my imagination. Without dreams and goals, there is nothing to reach for and obtain.

2. I love to learn new things, but school life is kind of slow. It seems to draw on since I am a senior now, but I will do everything to walk across that stage and get my diploma, then proceed to college.

3. I do not like the pressures of test-taking, it is one of the things I wish I was better at and have to overcome.

4. I have worked just as hard if not harder to get to this point in my grades, school, sports, and life, along with the help of my parents, teachers, coaches, and friends.

5. At some point in the last few years, reading has been my other life, but, lately, I have not found the time or book to read.

6. The music I listen to inspires me, whether it is gospel, hip-hop, R&B, or rock. It is just another outlet of emotion.

7. Since I was a little girl, I could sing and dance The Temptations.

8. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a writer. Secretly, part of me still does, but, as an obstetrician, I can help bring the beautiful blessings of life into the world.

9. The hardest and most stressful times in my life, so far, have been all the college applications, essays, and decisions, but they have all worked for the best.

10. Choosing a college is a very hard choice, and in my mind I have decided, but it does not seem final.

11. I am very proud of my coaches. In my last four years, I have seem them work hard to bring out the true potential in myself and others.

12. The whole indoor season of track, I went undefeated in the 55 Hurdles. As a senior and athlete, it felt great because I worked hard to achieve it.

13. However, our first outdoor meet of the season, I lost in the hurdles for the first time, coming in second place. I was a little broken-hearted, but it only made me realize that I needed to work harder.

14. I am ready to grow and become the young woman I was made to be.

15. The combination of anxiousness and excitement makes me eager to proceed onto college to embrace independence and whatever other opportunities life presents.

Compiled by Casey Cora.