Meet CJ! When he’s not too busy with his chem homework, he is giving campus tours to prospective students, acting as a peer mentor in the LGBTQ center, and being super funny in the N20 Improv group. He’s cute, smart, charming and respects vaginas! Here’s what he has to say!
Class: 2016
Major: ACS Biochemistry
Relationship Status: Single
Hometown: New York City
Extracurriculars: 1 in 4, Green Dot Grad, Science Leader, Student Activities Council (SAC), Tour Guide, Student Admissions Ambassador, LGBTQ Peer Mentor, N20 Improv Group, Writer for the Student Experience Blog
How would you describe your perfect date?
The perfect date for me is dinner at home and a movie. I do not really know how to cook, but I would love to learn romantically with someone else.
If you could go anywhere right now, where would you go and why?
If I could go anywhere, I would go to San Francisco or Los Angeles. I have always wanted to live on the west coast after being on the east coast for so long. Also the weather seems beautiful. Some people say the people on the west coast are annoying. I am from New York, so I can deal with the people. The constant sunniness is just such an attraction for me.
What is your favorite food from Harris?
I love, love, love spicy foods. So I am going to have to go with anything I can successfully put Sri-racha on. I also love making this hummus concoction I came up with: Hummus, Sri-racha, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Mix it up, dip some vegetables or chicken in that bad boy, and you are going to love your taste buds.
Who is your celebrity crush?
I would have to say Chris Evans. Hands down, tied, and game over. Take me away…
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
My goal in life is to be successful, settle down, and raise two kids. If I won the lottery I would already have the first goal down. I would probably buy an apartment in New York City, adopt two kids and live life growing with them.
What was it like to be part of the 100 Men Rise: Why Are Vaginas Important to you?
Alia offered us positions to be in the video, and I eagerly accepted. None of us knew what the other guys were going to say, and no one knew what the question was going to be before filming. It was a purely raw experience where everyone was completely caught off guard. I am so grateful for the experience to speak about what I truly thought about vaginas. They are very important to me and I meant every word I said. It was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget.
Your best memory at Conn so far?
This is a tough one. I have three best friends here and I have put everything I am into those friendships. My best memory is going to have to be sitting in the darkness of Tempel Green after science leaders orientation with Gabriela Silva and Alex Coffin. We poured our hearts out to each other. From that day I knew I could change into something new and amazing. We will forever be best friends.
What are you thinking of dressing up as for Halloween?
This is a really funny question because I always plan to be something and it drastically changes. As of now I might be Thing 1, but with a twist.
In the spirit of Halloween: Hershey or Skittles?
I love candy, period. My mom deprived me of it as a child. Please, if you see me, give me both and I will love you.
Favorite Holiday: Halloween, Christmas, or Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a time when I get to do the second thing I love most behind shopping– and that is eat until I die. Thanksgiving and the leftovers will always have a special place in my heart.
Guilty pleasure?
No one really knows this about me, but I love to play video games. I am not like super thrilled to announce it, but I have always played something.
Favorite movie?
The Fifth Element is my favorite movie. I remember eating Bo-jangles and watching it with the babysitter when I was a kid. From then on I loved it. There is something about the magic of the movie and the end almost always makes me cry.
Favorite hobbies?
I spend most of my free time being social. Hanging out, long lunches and dinners in Harris or Smith. As of late, a lot of extracirriculars have taken the place of a lot of my hobbies.
Favorite place to shop?
H&M, OH MY GOD I LOVE THAT PLACE WITH MY BLOOD AND SOUL. Whatever they make there I will wear. It is so convenient and their clothes are always stylish. Here is a secret from me to you: most of my outfits have at least one piece from there.
What was your initial reaction when you found out that you were Cutie of the week?
Most of the time I am with Ariana. We were together and I had read my offer to be Campus Cutie. She flipped out. Like out of this world jumping up and down. I was excited because I try to keep myself off the radar and stay humble. It is encouraging to think people respect that but still appreciate me. Of course, I am honored.