The start of a New Year is more than just an unmarked calendar, a fresh class schedule, this season’s spring collection, or even kicking that pesky caffeine habit. The New Year is about new beginnings, new experiences, new friendships, and new loves. 2014 is all about taking chances. This week’s Campus Cutie is a guy who is no stranger to taking chances, embracing changes, and living life to fullest. Coty Hoover, a senior at the college, is a Spanish Major who loves going home to Lake Wylie, South Carolina for some of his Mama’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. He grew up with his Mom, two brothers, one sister and pup. Being the first generation in his family to go to a four-year college, his family is the key to his motivation to be successful. Along with striving to be a good role model for his younger siblings, Coty hopes to always be happy, travel more, be an awesome dad some day, and above all, have fun. During his free time, Coty also enjoys being a heartthrob, playing the guitar, mandolin, and ukulele! HerCampus was ecstatic to kick off 2014 by spending some time with Coty talking about his childhood, his relationships, his last semester abroad in Chile, his future plans, and everything in between!
So Coty, how would you describe your childhood?
My childhood was pretty normal. Growing up it was me, my older brother, and my younger brother. As a kid your siblings seem like a burden, but now that we’re older I am really thankful to have them and I realized that since I had them as a kid we were never alone, there was always someone to play/fight with.
What do you miss most about high school?
High school is something I am very happy that will never happen again. I miss my friends and hanging out and doing dumb things, but the school situation was no fun.
What drew you to the College of Charleston?
Actually, I chose C of C spontaneously . . . I had never even been to Charleston before applying and C of C was the only school I applied to. It was pretty random, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
If you could be any celebrity, who would you be and why?
I would either be Will Smith because he is a badass, or Rob Dyrdek because he’s a kid at heart and has more money than he knows what to do with, so he lives a pretty crazy life.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Five years… yikes! Well I guess I’ll be 27 and honestly I have no plans. I’m graduating in the spring and I want to take some time to work, save money, and travel while I still have the time. I’d love to meet someone, hit it off, and bring them on my journeys with me, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
So exciting to hear you studied abroad! What’s different about the Coty that left for Chile, and the Coty that came home?
Chile was absolutely amazing. Before leaving, I had honestly never been on an airplane before, (which shows my lack of travel experience) so needless to say I had a million expectations, I was unprepared, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience there. Living with a Chilean family and adapting to the Chilean culture was pretty difficult, but extremely rewarding. I learned so much about their country and was able to travel a little bit outside of where we were living (in Santiago). Some friends and I spent a week in a cool town on the beach called Coquimbo, and also went to try our hands at surfing the pacific in this awesome spot called Punta de Lobos . . . it was really nuts. Also, we spent about 8 days in Peru traveling through Lima, Cusco, (other little towns with strange names) and eventually made it up to Machu Picchu, which blew my mind. Truly breath-taking. Being able to see and do so many of these things has really helped me grow into a more cultured and open person with a bunch of new friends with whom I’ve shared great times.
What made you decide to travel to Chile?
Being a Spanish major, I had been thinking of studying abroad for a long time and eventually decided that I was just going to go for it. I set up a meeting with the professor that took us down there, (Dr. Colomina- Garrigos, who is the bomb) and we talked it out and I decided it sounded perfect.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Saturday?
A rainy Saturday makes me want to hang at home and grab my guitar. Maybe call a few people over for a little jam session and just to hang out and eventually make our way to watching some movies to kill the time.
What do you think is the most important aspect of a healthy relationship?
I think the most important aspects of a healthy relationship should always be honesty, communication, and fun. You have to be able to have fun with someone and be yourselves around each other.
What have you learned most about past relationships?
Well, I’ve been single for about a year now and before that I was in the most serious relationship that I’ve had up until now. Looking back, I have learned tons of the “do’s and don’ts” about being with someone, but every relationship is unique and it just takes time to learn how to make things work with someone.
Describe your dream girl. What’s she like?
My dream girl plays guitar, (or at least will let me teach her a few chords) she makes dumb jokes and laughs at mine, she likes good music, she has a pretty smile, she is smart but knows how to have fun and goof off with me, and she likes dogs.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really know. I just dress how I like to. Normally jeans, flannels, t-shirts, anything simple sounds good to me.
What do you think is your best quality?
I think my best quality is just being able to get along with people. I really try to make friends with everyone and let them know they can trust me.
Okay, last question. What are three things you just can’t live without?
Hands down my family wins this category. I couldn’t imagine being without them and I am really thankful to have all of them help me through life.