Gregory Lafortune

We are pleased to introduce to you our second UOB brother of the week, Greg! Greg's interview responses are below. Enjoy!

Full name: Gregory Lafortune

Age: 22

Hometown: Queens, NY

University/occupation: Georgia State University, student

Major/minor/certificate/concentration: working towards a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition

Single or in a relationship? Single

Research Interest (if any): The relationship between good food and good nutrition in the Haitian culture.

Organizations/Campus Involvement:
Theophile Youth on Fire for Christ: Youth Director
GSU 1913 Society of Ambassadors: Advisory Board

Employment/Volunteerism: 

Georgia State University Tour Guide

Future aspirations:

-Get married

-Have kids
-Raise a God-fearing family

-Be a spokesperson for some type of prominent Nutrition establishment

-Travel to Haiti and influence the people to live healthier lifestyles

-Serve as a role model for young black men

-Preach the Gospel

Favorite past time?
-Playing music (drums, bass, tuba, harmonica)
-Reading the Bible

-Cooking Breakfast and taking pictures of it

-SnapChat
-Christian Counseling

-Making smoothies

Sorry I have so much! lol

What motivates you? 

Family and close friends depend on me. My future family depends on me.

What pushes you when things get tough? 

Perseverance through Christ.  My faith drives me in all things, especially when things get tough.

What’s your favorite song currently? 

Don’t laugh at me, but “Hakuna Matata” from the Lion King is the greatest song of all time. That, and the “Bare Necessities” from the Jungle Book.

Who inspires you? 

My mother. She knows best.

Favorite quote?

I don’t have one.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why?

Incredible: I hate saying this because pride is something I struggle with. However, I don’t know another word to use. I am multi-faceted and well rounded. I work hard on perfecting God’s Will in my life and go against the grain when I’m pressured to follow any distorted trend. I am a Leader, and I initiate. I am content with what I have, but never complacent with where I could be. I am incredible because an incredible God created me.

What’s your story? Where does your motivation come from? Explain to us your background. What’s your end goal? When you’re old and ready to retire, what do you want people to remember you for?
When I was 11 I got diagnosed with diabetes. It was a confusing and frustrating time for a kid like me. Being that diabetes did not run in my immediate family, it made me even more mad that I had to be the first one in my family to have it. I spent years hurt and mad at God because I literally felt like He set me up. Diabetes didn’t make sense. It is until I grew older, I started seeing how I had a passion for good nutrition and living a health conscious lifestyle. This would have never happened had I not got diagnosed with diabetes initially. When I was 11, I didn’t get it, but now it makes sense: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I want you to look at me and say “Greg never changed.” Consistency is one of the most important factors to consider during the progression of life. Of course we have impactful experiences that may change us. Why “go with the flow” when I serve a God who controls the flow?  Whether I have everything or lose everything, I want my relationship with Jesus Christ to be the most stable thing going for me. I want people to see that I endured hardship like a good soldier and persevered in my Faith no matter what. Christ is my Solid Rock.

Random Comments, Concerns, and/or Questions:

I struggle with coming off as “intimidating” or “judgmental” because people see how seriously I take my life (never partied, drunk, smoked, had sex, etc). People always question if I even go through personal battles. I wish it were otherwise. Every single day, something new comes up that I don’t understand. My identity gets challenged frequently. I’ve had moments of extreme sadness, loneliness, and pessimism.  I always humble myself to be transparent in my struggles. People see my personality, accomplishments, and where I’m headed as so “lofty” they are unable to see the fact that I am human too and struggle just as well. Though my failures are many, I don’t linger in them. My attitude and to get back up is what sets me apart.

Social media:

Instagram: @sofortunate

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Peace and Love,

The UOB Team