Name: Dante FrisielloAge: 21Year: seniorMajor(s): philosophy and political scienceHometown: Satellite Beach, FLHeight: 6’0″Relationship status: takenLongest relationship: current, two years and one monthFavorite movie: “Top Gun. You can be my wingman anytime.”Favorite book: “I had to really think about this one… But I’d say The Fountainhead. It really spoke to my teenage angst in high school.”Beyoncé or Rihanna: “I’m not gonna lie… I am pop music and culture challenged and really have no opinion on this topic.”Favorite type of food: ItalianIdeal first date: “Intelligent conversation that doesn’t have my mind drifting onto other topics. And, if it’s a dinner date, great food. It’s honestly all about the food. That has to be a top priority for my date, or else we probably won’t get along very well.”Biggest pet peeve: “Being interrupted. This happens all the time since I talk slowly. I like to think something out clearly before I say it.”Cats or dogs: “Dogs, without question.”Favorite musician: “I have way too many favorites. Just one musician? Steve Vai. Entire band? Rush.”What’s your favorite quote? “This one is hanging on my wall next to my desk: ‘The level of achievement we have at anything is a reflection of how well we were able to focus on it.’ –Steve Vai.”What song would you sing at karaoke night? “My singing would definitely offend your ears. But if I really had to sing something, I’d try “Faithfully” by Journey because it’s an ’80s arena rock tune and I have a soft spot for the epic guitar solos. Oh, and for the record, I’d much rather play the guitar solos in “Faithfully” than sing the melody!”What’s your favorite college memory? “Being in ‘Tol 5’ during my freshman year. We became infamous for our antics at UF Women’s Volleyball games and got the nickname Tol 5 (Tolbert Hall, 5th floor). All the girls loved us, all the guys hated us, and it was the best year of my life. I still live with all those guys, and they make fun of me more than any other people I know, which I believe is the strongest sign of true friendship. We are all stuck together as friends for life.”What’s a deal breaker for you in a girl? “If she says ‘like’ too often.” Are you involved in any clubs or organizations? “Yes! I have been a Cicerone since my freshman year. I was also in FLC, was the Tol 5 RA for a year, and am in Savant Leadership Honorary. I also work in the UF Government Relations office.”Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Being in Harvey Specter’s office (for Suits fans only).”If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be? “I’d like to be at Rao’s, eating lemon chicken with Frank Sinatra, Derek Jeter and my dad. If there is a heaven, then I’ll get to experience that night in the afterlife.”Who’s your role model? “I have many role models, but ultimately, my parents. They have set such high examples for me, always been there for me no matter what the situation, and have taught me how to live a fulfilling and happy life just by being themselves. If I can empower and inspire my kids, one day many, many years from now, in the same way that they have done for me, I’ll be alright.”Where’s one place you’d love to travel to? “Italy–specifically, the Amalfi Coast–since it’s right by Avellino, where my Italian ancestors were from. Luckily I’m going there with my family after graduation in May!”What’s your most embarrassing moment? “This story sounds really terrible, so prepare yourself. When I was ‘escorted’ out of the O’Dome by police right before Michelle Obama’s campaign speech in front of thousands of people here at UF two years ago. I had nine text messages in about five minutes asking me if I had just been arrested. I was sitting in a special VIP section with a friend who had family connections, but, unfortunately, a White House staffer (the same guy who gave us our credentials earlier) told my friend and me that we now had to leave. It made no sense because we had done absolutely nothing wrong and had gone through secret service security and everything. We even gave up our seats to two older women, and one of them had a leg cast, so we had been standing for three hours waiting for the speech to start. While I was embarrassed, I was also pretty upset because the White House guy had threatened us with police when we had been completely 100 percent in the right. It was a scary moment. Anyway, walking out with the police was really embarrassing, but once I found out why I was being taken out, I was just furious. The police told us that the staffer told them that ‘we were Romney guys, and had to leave,’ as if we were there to cause trouble! We were both really excited to see the speech, actually. I’m much more liberal now too, so this whole story is even funnier for me to tell people. The cops just wrote down our names and told us that we had to move to another section if we wanted to stay, but we just wanted to leave. I considered myself a first amendment political activist after that experience for about a week!”What are your hobbies? “I religiously play the guitar. I’ve always played competitive sports and been active, but music has become one of my deepest passions since I began learning guitar about eight years ago. I had one teacher for a year or so, then just self-taught primarily until now, as I’ve been taking some lessons with two very notable guitarists. I have a YouTube channel with some videos of my playing, the best one by far being this great video a good friend of mine filmed, edited and produced. It’s awesome; he made me look like a rock star, and I was playing a Steve Vai song, so it doesn’t get much better for me! If you just look up my name you can find it. I also love to cook, and more so love to cook for other people. That’s something I get mostly from my dad. I also love golf, both playing terribly and watching.”How did you feel when I approached you about being Campus Cutie? “I was really surprised and flattered!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.