Meet Michaela Hoover. This Tennessee cutie came to University of Iowa to study Speech Pathology and Theater. She can be spotted hugging puppies and small animals around Iowa City and heard singing classic film soundtracks and 80’s hits. She loves Billy Joel, and Mindy Kaling is her real-life inspiration. If you see Michaela around campus, give her a high-five, and extra points to you if you mention Elvis because Memphis, y’all.
Age: 18
Class Year: 2019
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Snapchat: @michaelahoov14
Where are your favorite places to go in Iowa City?
I would be lying if I didn’t say Molly’s. Those cupcakes are good for every occasion: celebrating (or mourning) your midterms, helping a friend get over a stupid boy, a little birthday present because you’re too broke to buy your friends real gifts. The place gives me life! I can also be found wasting time at Prairie Lights or at the Rec Center Smoothie Store (I spend more time there than on the elliptical, but I feel like that hill really makes up for most of the cupcakes), or just walking across campus trying not to trip over curbs.
What’s at the top of your Netflix queue?
“Clueless” (always keep it there for a re-watch), “The Office,” “Arrested Development,” “Scandal” (I have yet to start the recently uploaded season because I don’t think I have the emotional capacity or time commitment to deal with it), the recently uploaded Hallmark Christmas movies, and John Mulaney’s newest standup special.
Things at the top of your bucket list:
Become a part of Taylor Swift’s squad! To see Billy Joel in concert, it’s always been a dream of mine, preferably in Madison Square Garden. Also, I would love to travel across Europe!
Quote you love:
I’m kind of terrible at remembering quotes, but Audrey Hepburn said in a movie once, “Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe that person a lot.” I know my mom taught me to believe I could accomplish anything, and that’s why I believe it’s so important to use your words to inspire and encourage people. Without my mom always encouraging me to follow my dreams, I wouldn’t have gotten this far, and so I think its really important to try to be an encouraging voice for others.
Things you miss about your hometown?
Oh my Lord! I miss the food! It has been 3 months since I have had Memphis BBQ, a burger from Huey’s, a large sweet tea or my Grandma’s mac and cheese and fried okra. I also my my friends back home. As soon as I get home, my friends and I are getting together to marathon all the “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes while we all catch up. I, of course, miss my Brittany Spaniel, Dakota, and my cat, Sprinkles. It’ll be great to see friends and family while eat some down-home Southern cooking, Thanksgiving feast style.