Our Campus Cutie this week is a 21 year-old Florida native with a love for basketball, video games, and footwear. James Lilly, a senior at the College of Charleston, is studying Economics and Business Administration. On the weekends, you can find this sports fanatic cheering for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, listening to Jimmy Buffett, or grabbing a bite of his favorite food, cheeseburgers. James describes his style as “Laid back with a hint of spicy, because after all, what’s life without a little spice?” HerCampus was thrilled for James to take time out of his spicy life to share with us his secret love for shoes, his most embarrassing moments, and of course, relationships!
How would you describe your childhood?
Classy. I grew up in a very nice community in Florida. Hardly any crime, very upper class, and delis like you wouldn’t believe. Its nearly impossible for me to find a bagel I like anymore as a result. Though in Charleston, I give bagel nation and the bagel shop my stamp of approval.
What do you miss most about high school?
Definitely my pets. I had 3 dogs and 2 cats. It’s hard leaving home and not being able to see them for so long. The day I left for college I heard that my little dog I had since first grade sat in front of the door to the house for 2 days until she finally understood I wouldn’t be back for a while.
When you go home, what is the one thing you ask your mom to cook?
Though I would love to talk up my moms cooking, alas I cannot. It breaks my heart to do this, but I come from a family of miserable cooks. We try, but its never quite too successful. However, when I go home, I always go to the Italian restaurant just down the street from my home. Its called Mama’s NYC, and chef Robert has known me since I was in diapers. I am an absolute addict for everything and anything he cooks. I refuse to eat numerous Italian dishes unless they are fresh out of his kitchen. He’s also a great guy who shares wonderful stories every time I visit.
If you could describe your time here at C of C in one word, what would it be?
Unforgettable. I almost don’t want to graduate. Now that I am a senior, I envy the people I meet who are freshman. Yes, they’re not the wisest bunch. But they have 4 more years to figure it out and I’ve only got one left to have a good time. If I could turn back the clock I would, but regardless I am still thrilled for what my senior year and post-college life will be.
What motivates you? What drives you to want to be so successful?
I make everything a competition. I’m usually not the most motivated person initially. However, if something or someone is gunning for me, its on. I won’t stop till I’ve either won or am too exhausted to go any further. If anything, my drive for competition comes from my high school experiences in long-distance swimming and triathlons. I used to do races constantly and I loved looking over at my competition just before the finish line to see if they still had enough fuel in the tank to handle an all out sprint to the finish.
What do you think is your best quality?
I’m very trustworthy and honest. It’s very easy to tell when I am lying, but if you ask me to keep a secret it stays with me to the grave. My poker face may not be to strong in hiding that I know something, but as far as words I have a filter stronger than Brita.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done in front of a crush?
Oh Lord, this is a tough one. When I was back in either middle or high school, we had a group trip. Somewhere out in the panhandle of Florida. I had heard we would be go swimming at one point, so I brought a white swimsuit that was lying around the house. Something no one had used in a long time, but I had no reason why. Essentially, I went swimming and it turns out the all-white swimsuit no longer had any inner mesh. I was going full monty for everyone to see and it took me a solid 5 minutes to realize. I don’t think that girl looked in my direction again so long as I knew her. I also threw out the swimsuit on the spot. I found out later that it had been my brother who had pulled the prank and boy did he get me good on that one.
Describe your perfect girl. What is she like?
Breathtaking eyes and a sparkling personality are a must. I definitely have a thing for blondes, so that would be a must. Also has to have a wild sense of humor, witty remarks are the bread and butter to getting laughs out of me. I also do like taller girls, but that’s not a make or break for me. I’d definitely want them to love shoes. And not just heels and sandals, an affinity for Nikes and Jordans will go miles for me. Lastly, they must love dogs.
What do you think is the most important aspect of a healthy relationship?
Being able to communicate. Nothing worse than a relationship where secrets are the norm. It only leads to problems. Even if it is something you do not particularly wish to tell your significant other, I can assure you it will be much worse if they find out from someone other than you.
Last question. What have you learned most about girls through your past and current relationships?
Learn more about what they like. It gives you something to bond over. Life is a learning experience and if you only want to learn about the things that interest you, relationships won’t last very long. Learning what your significant other enjoys is crucial because it gives you the element of surprise in gifts as well as a conversation piece that is ever expanding.