Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week -David Andrew Colligan

David is the Manager of Business Development at LEDA . He started as an intern and they were lucky enough to keep him. He tells me he is a market research nerd, and you can tell he loves his job. As we meet to take his photo, his popularity is evident, people appear from their offices to tell me about how funny he is, and beg him to do his raptor impression for me – and it’s really good. (Don’t tell him you heard about it from me). David is that combination of funny and intelligent (with a hint of sarcasm) that will take him far and make sure those around him enjoy the journey.

What was your first job?
I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor in high school and college. My parents were pretty sure that I was going to seek professional lifeguarding opportunities after graduating from UL.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Morning cardio followed by coffee and the craziness of a work day that is never like the day before – and I love it!

What advice would you give the younger you?
1. The State of Louisiana is going to give you free tuition to go to a college in Louisiana. Don’t take it!
2. Some people are going to call you “David” instead of “Drew.” Don’t let them.
3. There is going to come a time when you will be comfortable being yourself. Never let that feeling go for anyone or anything unless you are learning and growing.
What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Working for the Walt Disney Company

What values do you live by?
Balance. Patience. Compassion.

What do you most appreciate?
One-on-one time with family or friends.

What is your favorite journey?
I really respect any journey of learning. I like looking for ways that I can challenge myself and evaluate my experiences so that I can have “aha! moments” that lead to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual growth.  

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Mostly the gym, my running routes and when I’m swimming at Red’s. I really appreciate people watching at any airport or venue for public transportation.

What living figure most inspires you?
My dad, my two grandfathers and my better-half, also known as my boyfriend.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
“You don’t always have to respond.” – mom

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Flashbang by Mark Steele

What is the best thing about where you live?
I know without a doubt that there are conversations that take place every day about making Lafayette better for everyone here and future generations.
How do you “let the good times roll”?
It’s South Louisiana so common denominators are music, food, family and friends.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be on Broadway as a kid and I’d like to be a teacher one day but I have always wanted to be a dad.

What is your motto?
Your attitude should never be a product of your circumstances.

How would you like to be remembered?
For making people smile and laugh when circumstances are less than ideal.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
Too many people are too proud of you to stop doing your best now.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Music, running shoes and wine.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I’m over it” and “but…it’s ok.”

What is your favorite word?
Platypus because it’s fun to say and how often do you ever really have a reason to say it?!

What do you collect?
Pictures. It may be morbid but, when it is my time, I want there to be an amazing slideshow of photos and videos that ensures my family and friends that I have had the best collection of experiences anyone could have asked for. I’m hoping it will resemble something like Beyonce’s “I Was Here (Live at Roseland)” video, which you can find on YouTube.

What food could you live on for a month?
Sandwiches (although everyone thinks sushi is my favorite food)

What would you change about yourself?
I have a running list of super-powers that I would love to have been born with or inherited through some strange phenomenon.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Buzz Lightyear

Describe yourself in five words.
Confident. Listener. Creative. Positive. Outgoing.

What is your idea of happiness?
Enjoying happy and healthy friends and family to the fullest.

What is your favorite movie?
How can anyone ever know that?!

What music defines who you are?
I can usually find something that I like in all genres of music which obviously speaks to my openness and versatility!

What do you most regret?
Not joining a fraternity when I started college.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
What are you most thankful for?

What would the answer be?
The amazing group of people that have been placed in my life. And YouTube.