Name: Billy Schrero
Hometown: Highland Park, IL
University: Tulane 12
Major: English
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
My time at Tulane exposed me to a number of interesting topics and perspectives, but it wasn’t until I enrolled in a number of eye-opening service learning courses, and a senior year fellowship working at Tulane’s Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching, that I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a social entrepreneur. VFA seemed like the ideal program to develop the knowledge needed to one day start my own company.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
I was on a bus driving towards Covington, Louisiana for a day of river tubing with my friends. My excitement did not allow for as much relaxation as I had planned, but it was still an amazing day.
What are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
Building a network of innovative peers who share my entrepreneurial spirit and having the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to an emerging company. I hope to help my company grow beyond the founders expectations, and to win the prize at the conclusion of the fellowship.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?
Chicago. Not only is it one of the most beautiful, innovative and accessible cities I have been to, but also it is filled with my family and oldest friends.
Best thing about Tulane: The opportunities to engage with New Orleans residents and contribute to the growth of the city… and the food, music, and festivals/parades/second-lines in NOLA.
Favorite Book: Sun Tzu’s The Art of War
Favorite childhood TV Show: Boy Meets World
Favorite meal: My mom’s lamb chops.
Role model: Michael Jordan. Could it be anyone else having grown up in Chicago in the 90’s?
Favorite holiday: Mardi Gras!
Best class you’ve ever taken: “Aristotle in New Orleans,” a persuasive writing course that focused on developing a culture of rhetoric and debate in local New Orleans Middle Schools.
Favorite movie quote: “I’ll tell you this: in any fight, it’s the guy who’s willing to die who’s gonna win that inch. And I know, if I’m gonna have any life anymore, it’s because I’m still willing to fight and die for that inch. Because that’s what living is, the six inches in front of your face. Now I can’t make you do it. You’ve got to look at the guy next to you; look into his eyes. Now I think you’re going to see a guy who will go that inch with you.” – Any Given Sunday, Tony D’Amato’s (Al Pacino) final pre-game speech
Favorite thing to do on Sunday: Watch football/play basketball.
Favorite entrepreneur: My dad
Favorite cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios and a sliced banana.
Most worn article of clothing: Lucky red and blue striped socks.
Favorite sports team: Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs (Chicago).
Best trip you’ve ever been on: Backpacking trip through Lake Superior Provincial Park – it rained half the time, we ran out of food a day early, and it could not have been more fun.
Favorite historical figure: Gandhi
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: My proudest accomplishment is being a loyal and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend to those closest to me.