If you checked out Little Shop of Horrors last fall, you’ve already met this week’s Campus Cutie, Ben Elling. A senior Chemistry major, Ben also loves performing (and he can heel-click like nobody’s business.) Sound like someone you want to know more about? Check out Ben’s profile!
Ben singing during a ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ rehearsal.
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Campus Activities: I played Seymour in Risley’s production of Little Shop of Horrors this last semester, and I hope to do even more performing next semester. I also work in a chemistry lab … and because my grad school apps have been making me think of nothing but chemistry, I’m going to try to keep the chemistry talk to a minimum from here on out.
Why he came to Cornell: I wanted a tough school that would make me work (too) hard, but that was also close to home and to my friends in Binghamton.
Favorites
Class: Okay, you win. Polymer chemistry.
Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Movie: Pan’s Labyrinth
TV Show: House, Suits, The Closer, Psych, The Daily Show
Music Genre: Pretty eclectic – Pop, 80s Rock, New Age World Music …
Let’s Get Personal
Relationship status: Single
Ben in 3 words: Just nerdy enough.
Total Pet Peeves: Unnecessary apostrophes, not composting, Christmas music in November.
Favorite Cornell Memory: Finding my way onto the roof of both Cascadilla and Physical Sciences Building.
Every guy needs these 3 things: All you need is love, love, love is all you need … but if I still get two more things, let’s go with ambition and a toothbrush.
Perfect date in 10 words or less: Good food, good conversation, go karts.
Choice superpower: Telekinesis. I’d never have to walk to the fridge again.
Post-grad plans: If you really want me to talk about chemistry … I’m applying right now to grad school to eventually get my PhD in chemistry – it’s a doctorate degree without the sick people.
Favorite place in the world: Wegmans. If she’s willing, I plan on marrying my future wife in a Wegmans.
Relationship deal breakers: I recently realized that I could never date a girl who posts a Facebook status like “If you like me, you’ll text me first.” But in all honesty, I’m just not into drama, so I look for the kind of girl who’s too busy thinking about important stuff to get caught up in the trivial things.
Most played song on iPod: Don’t judge, but #1 is “The Chain” by Ingrid Michaelson, followed closely by “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder.
Feelings on girls who approach guys: It’s all good with me. In fact, I’m just sitting here right now. Go for it!