Having grown up in an underprivileged neighbourhood and overcome his own adversities, JR LaRose now feels it is important to give back in the community. Last month, he took an opportunity to talk to some student leaders at Walnut Grove Secondary School.
LaRose, #27 for the B.C. Lions, came to WGSS to talk to student leaders about staying on their path and tell them a bit of his life story.
The school’s leadership programs offer chances for students to help on a community and global level, while also helping other student through groups like Gator Quality, the Power to Stay Away (PSA) and student council.
LaRose, 27, was born in Alberta, but did not have a very privileged or savory upbringing.
As a child LaRose says he was motivated by players like Gizmo Williams, who took the time to branch out into the community. Now, as a player with the power to influence the youth of his community, he is doing the same.
Through his talks with students and his company, LaRose Athletics, he is making strides in helping kids to achieve their dreams and to stay on their path.
As a young football player, LaRose went through more trials than most, after he broke the same leg twice and fell victim to the party scene. This caused him to lose sight of his football career for a short time, getting him sent back to junior football.
Because he was able to come back from that, he emphasized to the students how important a strong focus is in order to achieve your dreams.
Now that he has settled down and thought of what life could look like after football, he is focusing on his career during the season and on creating hope in his community during his off time.
“We all get knocked down, it’s up to you to get back up,” LaRose told the WGSS student leaders. As a role model for youth, he sees how important it is for them to get involved in their school and their community.
It’s tough, they can be easily pressured into doing something, he said.
“You guys are young, you have a lot of life to live,” LaRose said. “But what are you going to do when you get knocked off your path?
“You can get depressed about it, not want to do it or, if people are hating on you, use their negativity and turn it into something positive.”
The important thing about getting the students involved in extracurriculars, according to LaRose, is that they are taking up their free time to create change.