A 2023 graduate of Marco Island Academy, Virginia Lowe looks back on her high school years with a sense of gratitude and reflection. “My high school self, in definition, was ‘involved,’” she says. And that couldn’t be more accurate. During her time at MIA, she served as Student Government Association President, sports editor for the yearbook, and a member of the morning announcements team. She played both soccer and volleyball, all while maintaining high grades.
After graduation, she continued her education at Florida State University, pursuing a healthcare career. She discovered her passion for the medical field during high school after taking a dual-enrollment course with Florida SouthWestern State College.
When asked what advice she would give her high school self, she said: “Nothing is ever that serious, and what may seem significant now won’t be in a few days, weeks, months, or years.” It’s a reminder to enjoy the moment, not get caught up in temporary stress, and trust that everything will fall into place.
She admits, however, that the transition from high school to college came with its own lessons. “I wish I had known that I was going to have to work harder than I ever have before to achieve my goals and dreams,” she explains. Looking back, she’s grateful for the foundation MIA provided not only academically, but also personally. The relationships she built during her time there have remained strong even years later. “I am most grateful for the relationships and friendships I made through high school that I am still close with now,” she says. These lasting connections serve as a reminder of how meaningful those formative years were in shaping her outlook on life.
Now, as she looks ahead, her goals remain focused, but her dreams have expanded. She plans to apply to Physician Assistant programs in April, continuing the hard work that’s been her trademark since high school. “The goal I am working to accomplish is to become a Physician Assistant in the next few years,” she says. But beyond her career aspirations, she also dreams of traveling the world, creating memories, and experiencing new adventures along the way.
From an ambitious student leader at MIA to a dedicated future healthcare professional, her story reflects what Marco Island Academy strives to instill in its students: resilience, purpose, and a drive for lifelong learning. And as she continues her journey, she hopes her story reminds current and future students to stay involved, stay curious, and never stop striving toward their goals.
“Keep going,” she says. “Even when things feel endless, that’s often where the best growth happens.”
