LaVonna B. Lewis is the director of undergraduate programs at the University of Southern California, and an expert on health policy. Before joining a panel discussion on the affordability of a healthy lifestyle in America, she talked in the Zócalo green room about superhero movies, teaching, and a weird experience on a roller coaster.
Who’s your favorite president?
Obama. First black president—I’ve got to go with Obama.
What’s the one healthy habit everyone should have?
Fiber and fruit for breakfast.
Superhero movies: awesome or overrated?
I’m totally into superhero movies. So far, my favorite has been the first Avengers.
What’s a misconception about health that annoys you?
People are convinced that everyone has the same set of choices.
Do you play any classical instruments?
I used to play the violin, long ago. I’d hate to think what would happen today if I picked one up.
If you could ride a roller coaster with a celebrity tomorrow, which celebrity would you choose?
Denzel Washington. I’ve been a big fan of his movies. In high school, I rode a roller coaster with a guy who was so scared he bit me.
What keeps you up at night?
The worry that as a country, we’ll never have the difficult conversations we need to have about race.
What vegetable best describes you?
Brussels sprouts, because there’s a lot hidden there. You’d never know how delicious they are until you tasted them.
What do you find most difficult about teaching?
A student who thinks they know everything. If there’s a student with a closed mind, there’s nothing I can do.