By Shirley Jiang
East Hampton High School
Layla Gentles thrives on camera.
The 16-year-old Baldwin High School rising senior uses that to her advantage with a TikTok account devoted to the high school, called Baldwin High Talks, and a personal Instagram, which she used to promote her campaign for reelection as president of the high school’s student government.
Layla started Baldwin High Talks after she noticed that other high schools had shade accounts, or unofficial accounts, about a school. She wanted to bring Baldwin High School into the spotlight, posting interviews, sharing students’ college commitments and information about board of education elections.
“I remember seeing shade accounts from other middle schools and high schools like Holy Trinity and it inspired me to create one for Baldwin,” Layla said.
Her TikToks receive on average more than 9,000 views.
As for her Instagram account, @Thegentlespush, a word play on Layla’s last name, she has shared motivational quotes and information to encourage others to vote for her. And it may have just helped. She won re-election as student government president for 2026 after serving in that role last year.
She was recommended for the Robert W. Greene Summer Institute for High School Journalists by her advanced placement English language and composition teacher, who usually suggests that one student apply each year.
Layla was initially hesitant, but after seeing the option to attach videos, she submitted clips of her public speaking, theater performances and social media because it “doesn’t hurt to try.”
Moreover, Layla just loves connecting with people.
“I don’t think I have a social battery,” she said. “I’ve been complimented on how well I can talk to different types of people all at the same time. I can get everyone to connect and not even realize it because I’m just genuinely talking.”
“I’ve been complimented on how well I can talk to different types of people all at the same time. I can get everyone to connect and not even realize it because I’m just genuinely talking.”
– Layla Gentles
Layla said she can always find the “vibe” in every room but acknowledges that not everyone is open in the first few moments of meeting.
She recalled a quote from a calendar her mother, Sanika Gentles, gave her that stuck with her. The date was Aug. 1, 2023.
“What makes you great also f**ks you over,” Layla said with a laugh.
“Even though most of the time it’s an advantage,” she said about being outgoing, “it’s not always everyone’s cup of tea. You have to learn to turn it on and off at the right time.”
Layla’s friend Mia Smith described Layla as “very passionate when it comes to helping others, especially in our Baldwin community. She’s very intelligent and is always ready to enlighten someone on a topic that she finds interesting and worthy of being shared.”
Layla is also an inspiration to everyone around her, Mia said. “She always uses the quote, ‘If someone tells you ‘No,’ you asked the wrong person,’” and it helped me to continue pursuing things that I do.”
Layla loves to listen to music, go to New York City, read, debate—she’s also the head of the school’s debate panel— participate in DECA, and most of all, have genuine conversations with others.
In the future, Layla hopes to work in marketing, public relations or the law.
“I like hearing stories because it’s all knowledge,” she said.