By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Having earned a trip to Hollywood during auditions in New Orleans, LaPlace resident and “American Idol” hopeful Jordan Dorsey has briefly returned home to share some of his experiences with St. John the Baptist Parish school students.

Dorsey spoke Friday with a group of about 40 seventh and eighth graders at the Leon Godchaux Accelerated Program in Reserve. He is scheduled to speak at other schools in the area throughout this week.

During his nearly hour-long conversation with the students, Dorsey talked about setting goals now and staying positive. He told them to stay focused and not let anyone stand in the way of accomplishments.

“If you have something in your mind you want to do, don’t let your peers bring you down,” Dorsey said. “If I had listened to all the people who tried to bring me down, I would not be doing what I’m doing right now.”

Dorsey talked about the importance of education and advised the students to work hard to get through high school and beyond.

“If you are focused on your dreams, then go after it,” Dorsey said. “But you have to at least get that high school education. The world will eat you alive if you don’t.”

Dorsey added that in order to become a star, you must first act like a star, dress like a star, and speak like a star. He encouraged the students to be serious, be productive and be professional in everything they do.

“All it takes is something as simple as addressing someone properly,” Dorsey said. “When asked your name, say your full name first and last. It lets people know that you are ready for the conversation.

Dorsey also relived his road through the Idol competition starting from the auditions in New Orleans, which took place in July and aired late last month. He said he never considered auditioning before but did it this time around on a whim.

“I almost missed my chance to audition because I was late getting there that day,” Dorsey said. “I came very close to missing it all together.”

Dorsey said the show has already taped several additional rounds of performances that will begin to air next week. He said he survived two rounds of Hollywood auditions and a round of Vegas auditions after that.

“I am still alive and very deep in the competition, but I cannot say where,” Dorsey said. “I can promise you that I intend to win this show because I have been through hell and back.”