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 – Nathan Norris.
Nathan is the new CEO of the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. He is equally creative and logical with a dry sense of humor and a love of asking questions. Nathan is an attorney, real estate broker, and a family man. He’s a man who likes to get to the point as you will see by his answers (they may be the shortest I have ever had). Nathan brings an obvious intelligence to his new role, but he also brings a passion for Lafayette, and we are lucky to have him.  (Nathan – this time it IS about YOU)

What was your first job?  

Tippy’s Taco House.

Describe a typical day in your life.

Sunny with a high of 78.

What advice would you give the younger you?  

It is not about you.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?    

The 50 yard dash in 4th grade.  As a kid, I spent the bulk of my time playing sports.  Because of my incredibly slow foot speed as documented by my time in the 50 yard dash, I learned that I needed to work harder than my competitors in order to beat them.  That produced a work ethic and discipline in me at an early age that still benefits me today.

What values do you live by? 

Treat others like you would like to be treated.

What do you most appreciate? 

My wife.

What is your favorite journey? 

Why do I need to go anywhere? I just got here.

What living figure most inspires you? 

My father.

What was the best advice you were ever given? 

Never apologize for being on time, prepared and enthusiastic.

What book would you tell everyone to read? 

Proverbs.

What is the best thing about where you live? 

The people.

What did u want to be when you grew up? 

An attorney in the military.

What is your motto? 

Labor omnia vincit.

How would you like to be remembered? 

Giving.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?

Water, air and food.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I have a habit of creating new words by adding suffixes.

What is your favorite word?

Yes.

What do you collect? 

Friends.

What food could you live on for a month? 

Fish.

What would you change about yourself? 

Longer attention span.

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

None, but I admire George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Describe yourself in five words. 

It is not about me.

What is your idea of happiness? 

Help others reach their potential.

What is your favorite movie? 

Too limiting of a question. I have eclectic taste.

What music defines who you are? 

See movie answer.

What do you most regret? 

Agreeing to answer these questions.

What question do you wish I’d asked? 

What do you think of the person asking these questions.

What would the answer be? 

Very clever.