Jonas Valentine, 18, a transgender student at Round Lake High School, stands next to one of four gender neutral restrooms the school installed after he petitioned the school for better facilities for trans students. (Credit: Jonas Valentine)

CHICAGO (CBS) — When 18-year old Jonas Valentine came out as transgender in January, he felt isolated at school at first.

“They then isolated me into the teachers’ locker room,” Valentine said. “They said students felt ‘uncomfortable’ with me in the normal locker room and bathroom. At first I felt like it was fair to the students, but now I’m realizing how unfair it is to myself.”

Soon after, the senior at Round Lake High School petitioned the administration for gender neutral bathrooms.

“I just got out of a meeting with the principal, and the first thing he said was ‘What can we do to make you feel comfortable?’ Then I was told that they are going to be putting four gender neutral bathrooms in the school,” Valentine said.

Valentine said he was able to get nearly 200 signatures in support of his cause. He’s just glad he was able to make a difference for other transgender students like him.

“I’m very happy. I started this petition only four to five days ago. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in somebody’s life especially those in similar situations makes me really, really happy,” said Valentine.