Tower Summer 2022

LAILA SHIRLEY
Laila Shirley is a passionate, enterprising person with
an outgoing personality, who can tackle anything she
puts her mind to. Her interest in biomedical sciences
started at an early age as most of her father’s family
were in the medical field. One day, she aspires to
practice as a neurosurgeon.
“At first, I was a little hesitant to go into the medical
field, but as I grew up, I realized how much I loved it. I
am excited and I think all the years of studying will be
entirely worth it to be honest.” said Laila. “I’m a very
passionate personate person when you first meet me,
you might say I have chaotic energy that is organized
and helps produce a lot of important things.”
Laila came to MVA in sixth grade after her family
moved from New York. “I thought I was going to be
miserable when we moved, but as soon as I stepped
into Montverde Academy, I saw all the opportunities
there are here.” said Laila. She is involved with tutoring
Spanish at LSS, SGA, the Head of School Leadership
Institute, NHS, Social Studies Honor Society, Science
Honor Society, and the Honor Council. As she says
“time management is key” when involved in all these
programs.
“I want to thank every single person I have met here
who has impacted my life in every shape and form.
All have shaped me into becoming the person I am
today; they were there when I needed them, and I am
incredibly grateful.”
“My eighth grade English class is my favorite memory
here. I think one of the biggest reasons I am who I
am today is because of my friends. I genuinely think
the people around you shape you and some of the
students in my class at that time are still my best
friends today. Ms.Tamasi was also amazing, and she
helped me realize that it is okay to be yourself. She
was there for me.”
Motivating Quote: “Your story is what you have, what
you will always have. It is something to own.”
- Michelle Obama
16 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022