For most seniors (myself included), getting out of bed and driving to school can feel like a chore. With it being spring in the second semester, all soon-to-be graduates are stressing out over which school they will pick, coordinating dorm arrangements with their roommates, or attempting to build the perfect wardrobe of comfy, study-proof clothes. Layla Broksas, while also curating her freshman-year gameday outfits, has no time to waste. As president of the SCA, manager of the basketball and field hockey teams, a personal assistant, president of the Sustainable Generals, and head administrator of our senior games, Broksas has her hands full.
Broksas’s most profound impact on the school has been her work with the Student Government: She was vice president her freshman year and president for the three years that followed. The responsibilities of each class evolve over time, from planning the holiday bazaar to preparing for prom. These school-sanctioned events act as fundraisers and help the student body afford even more exciting opportunities in the future.
“The outdoor movie was super fun,” Broksas said. “We got a lot of people to come – it was cute. We raised a good amount of money, but more importantly, it was just good to get everyone together.”
Broksas takes pride in her role as the fulcrum of the class of ’25, leading them to win the spirit stick at homecoming every year she has been at the helm. “It was the most exciting sophomore year because we weren’t expecting it at all. Sophomores never win, so it was crazy,” said Broksas.
While in-school spirit is a highlight, Broksas hopes her legacy as a leader extends beyond just school events. “It’s just as important to us that we include the community, not just the school. Because we have a lot of opportunities at [the school], we want to expand these resources to the rest of Arlington,” said Broksas.
Broksas encourages underclassmen to challenge their ideas of what student government typically is. “It’s not just a check on your college applications; there’s real responsibility with it,” said Broksas.
Broksas strives to use her role as a leader to help others and make decisions for the greater good. “The harder you work, the more opportunities you can create for yourself, and my goal is not just to get myself into better positions, but to help all those around me,” said Broksas.
While Broksas is a driving force in everything she gets involved in, she credits her fellow officers in the Student Council immensely.
“I’m really lucky to have such a good team. Everything I’ve ever wanted to accomplish, they’ve supported and helped make it happen.”
Layla’s other senior Student Council and Student Government members are Daisy Maxwell, Nyla Elder, Alex Frymore, Maya Kinard, Maeve Shoji, and Andrew Kennedy. Broksas admits that while she has huge aspirations for the student government, everyone else helps get things done. “They’re way more reliable than me!”
Broksas’ final message to underclassmen is that she wants to motivate people to seek change when needed.
“I want to be able to encourage people to use their voices,” said Broksas. “I feel like sometimes kids can feel lost at school because it’s so big, all they can do is accept it – even if it’s bothering them. Whether it’s a rule or an injustice, I want to hear out my peers and help in any way I can. Even though our school is huge, college will be even bigger. I know I want to make an impact everywhere I go, so while I’m here, I want to help out as much as I can.”
Broksas’ year will not get any easier after graduation; however, she pairs her responsibilities in school with numerous roles in the workforce that she’ll be pursuing over the summer. Layla babysits, works at a yoga studio, is a personal assistant, and – her favorite – works at Urban Farmhouse.
“It’s kind of like a home goods gift shop,” said Broksas. The boutique, right off Glebe, provides more than novelty stickers and cute tea towels. “I’ve really learned about customer service. I work by myself, so when someone comes to shop, it’s just me and the customer.”
Broksas values the relationships she makes with others in all aspects, especially in the workforce. “I really love it – because you learn so much about everybody. It’s always the same people who come in and out, so I’ve built important connections with different people in the community,” said Broksas.
She recalls some of the patrons of Urban Farmhouse, as well as some of the artists who sell their work.
“There’s this artist who comes in sometimes, and we’ve become friends,” said Broksas. “The older man does some of our paintings, we’re close. He’s always coming in, and I’ve learned a lot about him, his art, and his memories of Arlington when he was my age. He’s really great. Then there’s this woman who does the furniture – she’s had like the craziest life ever. It’s really inspiring.”
“I love that I get to make new connections with people that I never would’ve connected with in the first place – it goes beyond the binary of age,” said Broksas.
Broksas also works as a personal assistant for professionals in the ACT/SAT tutoring field. At Z-Tutoring, she does the billing and filing for clients.
“At first, it was stressful because I messed up all the time,” said Broksas. “But now I know how to use QuickBooks, which is an applicable skill in the workforce.”
This job’s benefits align with her goals. Broksas gets to build professional relationships, gain experience in the workforce and customer service, and learn practical skills that put her ahead of the competition.
Layla plans to attend the University of South Carolina with an intended major in Sports Management. Broksas is no stranger to the rush of the game, as she’s been manager of the basketball team for all four years, as well as manager of the field hockey team starting her junior year. She’s familiar with the inner workings of the environment.
“We love doing it, my co-manager and I,” Layla shares this role with another senior, Lola Gomez. “It’s interesting to be on the outside, the logistics of keeping score and the plays they draft up.”
While the administrative side is the home base for Broksas, she also values the team aspect.
“I played field hockey for W-L from eighth grade to my sophomore year,” said Broksas. “But, going into junior year, I was worried that I didn’t have enough time for the commitment of practice every day and games on the weekends. I knew I still wanted to be involved, so I asked if I could manage.”
While Broksas might seem like she is all work and no play, being the head administrator of our senior games lets her show her wild side and embarrass everyone else with the safeties. Her inspiration dictates the daily challenges seniors must undergo to remain ‘safe’. Broksas looks at years prior, as well as adds her personal touches when deciding them.
“My favorite safety was “Wicked.” I love “Wicked,” it is my favorite thing ever, so having everyone paint their face green and have their brooms was like my dream,” said Broksas.
With safeties like dog leashes, mime makeup, and walking backward, Broksas cites the ‘bear crawling/crab walking’ as the funniest to watch.
“There were just people crawling everywhere, outside and in the halls. I was scared I was going to trip over someone,” said Broksas.
The onslaught of commitments and responsibilities can sometimes get overwhelming, and Broksas admits that it gets hard to manage. When asked about spending one’s time well and allocating effort efficiently, Broksas expressed that it has not gotten easier for her.
“Time management??” said Broksas. “I’m practically drowning in schoolwork, and my schedule is so full, I’m busy all the time. I constantly forget things and mess up. But no matter what, I always keep going… I just put my hair up, open up my laptop, and get back to work.”
It is obvious that Layla Broksas defies gravity and the senior-year slump.
