Her life changed dramatically last May 2, as that's the day Lala Thomas' grandmother, Myra Stevenson, passed away.
Stevenson raised Thomas.
"My mom was in the picture, but she was going through some things at the time," Thomas said. "My grandmother's death was so hard for me to the point I had no feelings left. When my grandmother died, a part of me died with her. She was the person I never thought would die, [and now I] have to figure out what to do."
Thomas is in her fifth year of high school, which hasn't been hard, she said, "because it's a life-learning lesson.
"I came into this school year with a focused mindset. I have good grades; my college access level [has] changed; I get a lot of recognition because I became a better student. I won the Most Improved Student of the Month [award]."
Thomas said her long-term goals are to finish school and become a professional dancer, actress, and model. "I hope to achieve these goals by getting good grades, going to casting calls for modeling and auditioning for plays, [and] also by keep making up dances and performing them for school events, etc."
Thomas will graduate this year.
"I am on track to meet some of the goals and milestones that I have set for myself," she said. "In June, I will complete my requirements to receive my high school diploma [and] am currently in the process of deciding which offer for college admission I will accept."
Thomas is cast in a play at the American Theater Company.
"I am coming up with [a] three-person dance group, which I'm still casting people," she said with pride.
THE STATS
- Age: 19
- Orientation: rans female
- Relationship status: Single
- Hobbies: Volleyball, track, acting and dancing
- Idol: Nicki Minaj
- Family: Has five siblings: "I am close with all of my siblings; they accept me for who I am. They do not play about me."
- Favorite movie: The Other Woman
- Favorite TV show: Scream Queens ( 2015 )
- Little-known fact: "I'm a dancer, actress and model."