Talking a mile a minute, Matthew Taylor is fondly known around Carolina not just for his chattiness but for the fluidity with which he strikes up conversation with any and everyone. Taylor has an electric sense of confidence, balanced by a Southern down-to-earthness that magnetizes people to him. It’s this charisma that rendered Taylor the perfect candidate for UNC’s Campus Cutie.
Name: Matthew Taylor
Hometown: Warrenton, NC
Year: 2015
Major/minor: Political Science and African, African American and Diaspora Studies
Favorite place to study: Davis Library
Motto: “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!”
Fun fact: I can pilot an airplane
Celebrity crush: Tatyana Ali
Favorite YoPo flavor: New York Cheesecake
Relationship status: Single as a dollar bill
HC: What are you involved with on campus?
MT: I do poetry on campus and organize events with UNC Wordsmiths and I mentor at-risk minority youth with Building Bonds Breaks B.A.R.S.
HC: What do you do in your free time?
MT: I write, read random articles, listen to hip hop and make rap songs.
HC: What’s your favorite thing about Carolina?
MT: I love the opportunities UNC provides.
HC: What are five things you can’t live without?
MT: I can’t live without poetry, music, fruit snacks, my family and friends.
HC: Ten-year plans?
MT: In 10 years, I plan to be in the U.S. Senate, but not without a few published poetry books or a Grammy-winning album.
HC: Describe your ideal date.
MT: My ideal date would be at a night cafe. The type that would serve Cuban sandwiches and coffee while smooth jazz plays. Open mics are fun too.