JAGUAR SPOTLIGHT: Andre Spears – SU Honors College

Southern University Student André J. Spears of Prairieville, LA is a current SU Honors College Scholar with a major of Physics & Mathematics and a concentration in Physics. Spears plans to graduate in May 2016.
Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A: Friday. Funniest movie of all time in my eyes.
Q: Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
A: My parents. My dad wasn’t able to finish college, however he instilled in me the hard work that I needed to get my degree. He is my biggest role model. My mom graduated from SUBR in Summer 2012, which was my first semester. She showed me her perseverance to get her degree after she wanted it for many years. In retrospect she says I inspired her to get her degree.
Q: What has your experience as an Honors College Scholar been like? Do you find it challenging?
A: My experience has been great. There have been challenges, but I am an honors student so I knew that I could overcome any challenge. As a member of the Timbuktu Academy and Honors College I have been able to participate and present in numerous conferences around the country. Also I have been afforded the opportunity to internship with Los Alamos National Laboratory, which has opened many doors for me in my future. Without the Timbuktu Academy and Honors College I wouldn’t be the great student I am.
Q: How do you manage to maintain a 3.8 GPA and live the exciting life of a college student?
A: It’s a lot of hard work but I manage my time very well. Once I get my assignments done then I go hangout with my friends; we may go out to eat or just chill at someone’s house. If I’m not with my friends I’m either working out, playing basketball, or watching movies.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment by far? And how do plan to keep reaching greatness?
A: My greatest accomplishment so far has to be winning the Educational Testing Service Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students. It was a huge honor receiving the scholarship. I could not have won it without the help from Dr. Bagayoko and Dr. Kelley who helped me prepare my application. I plan to keep reaching greatness by continuing to keep GOD first and working hard. Faith and Hard work still pays off.