Back to Reality

Southeastern brings together students from across the globe. Our alumni hail from a variety of backgrounds from over 50 counties. Adrien Laurent arrived in Hammond in fall 2016 as an exchange student from France to study sports management on our campus.

Adrien experienced a great semester as a typical college student. This month, he returns home to his France this month, where he happens to be a reality tv star!

How did he end up a romantic lead on tv screens across France? He didn't start out with that intent, but he is enjoying the ride. A skilled basketball player from a young age, Adrien became  interested in fitness and lifting as a young man, and it soon developed into a passion. He was noticed on social media by a casting company and asked to be on a reality tv show that put 20 young people through an intense simulated military boot camp.  

“After appearing on the first show, I stood out to the casting directors as one of the group with the most personality,” said Laurent. “They asked me to do another show with a more romantic premise. It could be compared to “The Bachelor” in America. I thought it would be a great experience.”

Adrien is starring on season 4 of  "Les Princes De L’amour" ("The Princes of Love"). The show wrapped filing right before Adrien came to America, and is currently airing now in France.

Adrien enjoys his television work, but ultimately sees it as a stepping stone to his future career goals. He is currently a junior majoring in business with aspirations to own his own fitness business. He will continue to pursue modeling and television on the side in the meantime.   

“Working on TV is good for visibility. I ultimately want to work in the fitness industry,” says Adrien. “After I graduate with my business degree, I would like to move back to America and start my own business centered around health and fitness.”

Adrien enjoyed his time at Southeastern and living in Hammond. “I love the campus life here,” said he says. “People are really friendly here. They motivate you and keep you doing great work.”

This story includes reporting by Lion’s Roar reporter Amber Grace Garrard.