When you first meet Jonell “Porkchop” St Fort, his wide grin and contagious laugh are the first things you notice. He moves through Langston University’s campus with an energy that lights up every room, every hallway, every conversation. But behind that smile is a story of struggle, self-discovery, and perseverance. A story that started nearly 1,400 miles away in Nassau, Bahamas.
Growing up in the vibrant yet rough corners of Nassau, Jonell didn’t always have it easy as he always seemed to catch himself in trouble. Jonell’s childhood was marked by constant battles, fights in school, detentions, and moments of anger that he admits he didn’t always understand. Jonell often felt alone. “I didn’t know how to handle my emotions,” he says. “I just knew how to fight back.”
Things started to change when his mother insisted he attend counseling or some form of positive program to better help control his emotions . At first, he resisted. But the more he attended each session the more understanding he had over his emotions and how to control them.
As he would say, he often caught himself “always a part of negativity” which prompted him to join a program called Urban Renewal Band. The band was a proactive policing program for at-risk youth who needed a more positive outlook on life .
Through counseling and the band, Jonell learned to process his pain and to channel his frustration into something productive. By high school, he started getting involved within his school and started to excel in the musical sector where he was encouraged to audition for a couple Universities in which he received a few scholarships. One of those scholarships being to the one and only Langston University.
That mindset followed him 1,400 miles away when he stepped foot on Langston University. As a freshman Porkchop was determined to start fresh and make a name for himself. And making a name for himself is what he did. Within just a few semesters, Jonell made his mark on campus joining multiple organizations, joining the band and becoming known as a connector, someone who brings people together between his culture of Bahamian friends and his American friends he made on campus. Jonell was in the band from his freshman year until his Junior year in which he states helped him hold himself accountable rather it being waking up early in the morning for band practice or staying late for the same reason.
Jonell had always been seen as a leader as he was elevated by his peers to serve as Vice President of the Caribbean Student Organization here on campus. While also serving as Senior Resident Assistant for the Housing Department and also Secretary for the NAACP.
Jonell is also a Spring 2025 initiate of the Alpha Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
Through his time here Porkchop started off by joining the Student Government Association where he started on the board. Through his experience on the board, Jonell was able to run for Activities Coordinator, the 3rd highest student position on campus. I asked Jonell what made him want to run for such a high position and he stated “I decided to join the Student Government Association (SGA) because of my genuine passion for serving others.”
I asked if he could further explain his point and that he did by stating “Service has always been at the heart of everything I do. Even while balancing all these responsibilities, I found myself consistently drawn to event planning and coordination creating experiences that bring people together. I realized that this was more than just something I enjoyed; it was something I was truly gifted in. That’s what inspired me to take the next step and run for SGA Activities Coordinator, a position that perfectly combines my passion for service with my creativity and leadership in event planning.”
Jonell also thanks his SGA board team for always encouraging him to pursue more in life and on campus. “With the support of Madam Vice President Jasilyn and close friends who encouraged me to go for it, I decided to run and I’m grateful every day that I did. Being in this role allows me to contribute in a meaningful way, helping to shape the student experience and make lasting memories for others.”
Though Jonell has been in many organizations, he feels as if this is his toughest position he has held in any organization. Jonell explained the constant pressure the Student Government actually has to make sure Langston University is always presented in a good limelight. He was able to give me a quick run down of his daily schedule which consisted of a meeting everyday from 9:00am to 1:00pm with staff and head officials of Langston University. Then he has class from 1:00pm until 3:50pm where he then has to have another meeting for other organizations that he joined. After all those meetings, Jonell finally has time to just sit and do homework and possibly have fun with his friends later in the night.
Langston students say Porkchop’s personality has become part of the school’s culture. “You can’t go anywhere without seeing Porkchop’s energy or hearing him from across the way,” says student and friend De’Andre Allison.
For Jonell “Porkchop” St Fort, life has come full circle, from the troubled kid in Nassau to the campus leader shaping Langston University’s student experience. His journey isn’t just about survival; it’s about growth and transformation within oneself.
Looking ahead, Jonell hopes to use his story to inspire others, possibly through motivational speaking or youth counseling back home.
Jonell concludes the interview with a couple words in which he states “As an international student, my journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been filled with purpose. I’m driven by a deep desire for upward mobility, growth and success not just for myself but for my family and for the generations that will come after me. My motto in life is simple: FOCUS – Focus One Course Until Successful.”
“Success looks different for everyone. For me, it means building a foundation strong enough to create opportunities, inspire others, and leave a legacy that reflects hard work, perseverance and faith. My story is still being written but every day I’m working to make it one that encourages others to stay focused, stay grounded and never stop striving toward their goals.”
John Adams
John Adams is a senior broadcast journalism major.
