LaPorsche Thomas is a trailblazing young adult, who believes that it is never too early to start doing what you love and perfecting your craft. Making a name for herself before graduating from The University of Georgia, LaPorsche's hardworking and enthusiastic personality is why she is our #WCW.
1. What's your story? What makes you unique?
I am a “go-getter”. A go-getter is someone who sees what they want, and strives to obtain it by any means. I did not grow up with a lot of money and I had a pretty rough childhood, but I did not let it bring me down. Instead I decided that I was going to define my life, and not let my life define me. My adolescence really taught me the value of working hard. I was able to see my single mom truly work hard to create a better life for us.
What makes me unique? I am not afraid of failure. I am afraid of not trying at all, and I believe that makes me unique. An adviser of mine once described me with this sentence (and I’ll never forget it), “LaPorsche is someone who will always give you 100%, whether you ask for it or not”. I laugh every time I think about it, because I consider it the biggest compliment ever!
2. What motivates you?
I am motivated by the past, present, and future.
Past- Knowing that I have already been paid for. I know that my ancestors endured so much just to make sure I had some type of access to an education, freedom, and the right to decide what I want to accomplish in life. My grandmother (who is still alive) tells me stories about how she picked cotton, and could not ride on certain buses because she was black. Those stories always remind me that what I am doing has value. I am valuable.
Present- I am inspired by the college atmosphere. I love the hustle and bustle of the University of Georgia! I am reminded that I am always in learning mode every time I walk to class. I am reminded that I am still on my journey, and my time is yet to come. All I have to do is stay the course!
Future- The future motivates me, because I can literally see the life I want to live. I see the materialistic things like cars, a lot of shoes, and a house. However, I also see myself looking back and saying...”Wow Porsche, you never gave up, you truly made it”. I want to be able to say that. I want to be a living testament that working hard and working smart; pays off.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
My mentor, Dr. Kristina Collins, is a huge hero of mine. She has always pushed me to think outside of the box, and to never fall victim to normal. She’s played so many different roles in my life, and truly inspires me to just be a good woman (in every sense of the phrase). My auntie Marie and my Grandmother Irene are my heroes as well, because they’ve endured so many familial losses, but continue to be good people every day.
4. Give us a road map of your career. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a senior at the University of Georgia double majoring in Digital and Broadcast Journalism, alongside Communication Studies. I am here on a full ride scholarship funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship Program. I have also won 3 other scholarships. In total, I have over $500,000.00 worth of scholarship funds. Hard work got me where I am today!
5. What's your future plan? Your goals?
I plan to one day have my own nationally syndicated talk show. I currently have my own talk show on Youtube known as “LaPorsche Speaks”. I would like to expand upon that, and truly use my platform to empower young women all across the globe. Also, I am fully committed to opening my own Leadership Academy for young women. I believe education and creativity in education is so important, and I want to build a place that reflects those sentiments.
6. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
Everyone may not understand you (at first or at all), however that does not make you wrong. It makes you unique. Never distance yourself from what makes you unique. Just slay! :)
7. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
Youth empowerment! Whitney Houston said it best, “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way”. I mentor so many different teenagers, and it brings me so much joy, because I know that I am contributing to their growth and development in a positive way. I hope that when they see me following my own advice, it lights a fire in them. I want my positive flame to spread. Tupac Shakur said, “That’s our job is to spark somebody else watching us”.
8. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
I did an entire 12 minute Beyonce-themed step show by myself. It was in front of 1200+ people. I did the show on behalf of my sorority, the Lambda Delta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I practiced for about a month for 4-6 hours everyday including weekends. I had so much fun, and worked so hard. I performed all of the steps by myself, but I definitely had the support of my chapter and sorority sisters across the nation. I love performing and I love Beyonce, so getting to combine those two things made for a great experience. Plus, we got to prove to people that being fearless pays off! Quality over quantity! You can find the video on Youtube!
9. Anything we haven't asked that you'd like to talk about.
I interned at UP TV network in Atlanta this summer, which was an amazing experience! I am interning for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta this school year, and I am really looking forward to that.
If you would like to reach out to LaPorsche Thomas for mentoring/networking opportunities, you can reach her HERE.