Name: Gareth Hughes
Year: 2nd
Major: Spanish and French
Hometown: Liverpool
Gareth opened the door to his South Street flat dressed in his trademark attire—a band t-shirt, jeans and a flannel—(though he jokes that he can do formal, “and sometimes I like to spice it up with a blazer.”)—and after a quick hug, we headed into the kitchen for some tea. As I watched him putter about turning on the kettle, getting the mugs, and doing all the things necessary for tea, it struck me how gentle Gareth is. Even his eyes radiate a soft kindness, which I found amusing when I realized what a striking figure he is: well over six feet, with a well-groomed beard and curly ponytail, he is certainly hard to miss. In fact, he’s one of those people that you seem to run into everywhere once you’ve met: balls, ceildihs, pubs, sidewalks, etc. Thankfully, he is less awkward than I am, and claims to not think I am stalking him. This may or may not be true.
Most people will recognize Gareth as the tall bass singer in the contemporary acapella band, The Alleycats. While Gareth sang before joining the group, this is his first foray into the acapella world, after having the torch passed on to him by his academic father, the previous bass singer of the group. Unfortunately for the Alleycats, this is where the academic legacy stops—for now— as Gareth is going to France for his third year abroad, leaving behind no heirs. The Alleycats are not the only group in our fair kingdom who will feel the absence of the great Hughes. Four-piece blues rock band, The Retrophobes , will also mourn the temporary loss of their bass player. I went to go see their final gig of the year at the Blue Stane, and while the band as a unit was impressive, with a high quality of playing and a good sense of humour, Gareth really stood out. This is most likely because he is the only member of the band I know, but also partially due to his unconventional performance in a duet in which he used a bow on the strings of his bass, like a giant horizontal viola. Two words: Mind. Blown.
When asked how he balances the demands of two bands and his course work, Gareth humbly replies, “It’s not impossible to do both…music and language are an important part of who I am.” As we discuss other societies he participates in, mainly Quaich Soc and Celtic Soc, Gareth goes on, “there’s so much to do at Uni, the actual degree is just a tiny part of why we’re here.” One of the reasons Gareth chose to come to St Andrews, as opposed to a university closer to his home near Liverpool, is the “allure of Scotland…it’s unique in it’s own aspect.”
Gareth has certainly embraced this new Scottish culture. No where is this more evident than his living room, where band posters hang in harmony next to a map of Scotland’s whiskey distilleries, and the bookshelf is more of a display case for the various whiskeys Gareth and his flat mate James have acquired. When I jokingly remark that all whiskey tastes vaguely like nail polish remover to me, Gareth seizes an opportunity to showcase his knowledge. He remarks on the various flavors, and craftsmanship of different blends and malts, before discussing the differences between Highland whiskeys such as Talisker and Isla and those distilled in other areas of the country. Though he hasn’t yet settled on a favorite, Abelour whiskey, a single malt from Speyside, is certainly on the list (just in case anyone wanted to buy him a goodbye present…)
The conversation soon turned towards Gareth himself, and his personal style. As mentioned earlier, Gareth has a laid back style that suits his personality well. Band t-shirts (preferably black) and jeans are his staple, though I can personally attest to the fact that he can seriously rock a tuxedo. When I ask about his long hair, the conversation flits back to music momentarily, “I wouldn’t be long haired were it not for the long haired musicians I admire” (I’m sure he mentioned some examples, but I accidentally deleted the transcript from my phone as I was leaving the flat, and didn’t write them down. My journalistic integrity is really showing, I know). “For now,” he continues, “I’ll keep it, I can’t imagine myself differently. Who knows, in a few months, I could decide to cut it all off.”
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As far as personality goes, Gareth is easygoing, and incredibly welcoming. A true testament to his character is managing to neutralize all of my awkwardness. He’s just nice. Though there’s an edge to his niceness, “anything that is a bit maudline, and dark, I’m inclined to like”, he says in reference to his black humor. He cites Black Books and Peep Show as some of his favorite shows, and I choose to believe him, as we were sitting beneath an “Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from Peep Show” poster. Gareth smiles and says he relates to all the characters in their own ways, especially Mark, with his slight anxieties and rants on society. Not surprisingly, Gareth has taken a liking to Game of Thrones (though to be honest, I would be more surprised if he hadn’t—it’s just a quality show) and describes it as being, “Like Tolkien, but with a touch of moral ambiguity”. Basically the perfect show then.
And now for the ladies, Gareth prefers a more mature and traditional relationship, “I like to be able to talk about things freely—feelings, ideas, interests.” This extends to the chase as well, “There is something to be said if I like a girl enough to approach her, not to say I don’t want to be asked out—there’s no hard and fast rule—but there’s just something to be said for me starting it off.” For right now, however, Gareth is taking a break from the hunt, and focusing on a girl who he is incredibly cagey about discussing, for fear of ruining anything. Who ever this mystery girl is though, she is certainly very lucky, and I hope things work out!
After spending almost two hours on Gareth’s couch for this article, it struck me as odd that the charming and kind man next to me would have had reservations about being featured for this article. None-the-less, reservations he had. They weren’t even due to spending an unspecified amount of time with me either, which would be understandable (and possibly advisable). Rather, they were more fueled by his concerns regarding the other interviewees, who are, “well-groomed pretty boys with chiseled features”, a stark contrast to Gareth’s own opinion of himself as a, “bearded, ponytailed oddball.”
Gareth seems to be acutely suffering from a yet unnamed syndrome all too common in St Andrews. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: feeling unworthy, inferiority complex when surrounded by models, aversion to red trousers, cold sweats and hypertension when faced with wellies, etc… And while Gareth was surprised to be asked to be a ‘Campus Cutie’, I was more surprised by his hesitation. Being a ‘Campus Cutie’ isn’t about a strong jaw line, or a closet full of tweed, it’s about the individual—the myriad of tiny little things that combined make us who we are: our idiosyncrasies, quirks, likes, dislikes, even our beards and our ponytails that make us our oddball selves. Gareth has so much to offer besides the face fur and Metallica shirts.
One of the very strange parts of writing these articles, is developing an odd connection to the people you’re interviewing. Even though it’s usually only an hour so of face-to-face time, you get to ask really personal questions, and I’ve found that most people are happy to answer them honestly and openly. I mention this now, because after spending probably 4 hours in total of my life with Gareth, including the interview, random chats on the pavement, and some extra time for good measure, I can honestly say I will miss having him in St Andrews for next year. Having every reason to brag, and all the ability to be the focus of attention, Gareth remains humble and unassuming. He has a quiet strength undercut at times by acute vulnerability, only adding to his accessibility, and he has a rare sense of maturity and sincerity that combines to help create this charming, oddball guy. If you are still here in 2013, I highly recommend bumping into Gareth (trust me, it’s not hard), he is definitely someone who should not be missed. I wish you the best of luck for your upcoming year teaching in Bordeaux!
Good night in: Watching a film with some free flowing wine and whiskey, and lots of music and good conversation.
Good night out: Probably going to a pub (Whey Pat and Aikmans make the top of the list). I like house parties, it’s a good environment, and you can drink in a safe place.
Favorite time wasters: Facebook, YouTube, DrownedinSound.com, making tea, going to Janetta’s or Bibi’s and looking up Memes.
Fears: Definitely not failure, probably losing touch with the people I care about. It’s going to be hard, and sad, to be missing out on a year in the life of my friends here, especially as we are all just hitting our strides.
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Name: Patrick Nobrega
Academic Year: Senior
Hometown: Mattapoisett, MA
Relationship Status: Arguable (A work in progress)
Biggest Turn on with a girl:
The biggest turn on for me is confidence- not to be confused with cockiness (which is a big turn off). More specifically, a girl who has the confidence to be herself. Not all guys are looking for bimbos…those are a dime-a-dozen. I think it’s awesome when I meet a girl who can hold her own in a conversation no matter where they are. Also, it’s nice when a girl can keep a guy’s attention without feeling they have to dress a certain way. To me, nothing is more attractive than that girl with high self-esteem who gives off that vibe that says “I don’t need you, but I want you”.
Biggest Turn off:
For me, the biggest turn off is a girl who makes herself seem less smart because she thinks that guys find it attractive. I mean, okay- the ditsy thing can be cute once in a while, but it gets old real fast. If I try to hold a somewhat meaningful conversation with you and your eyes glaze over, I’m not impressed. Also, those Snookie-esque girls with the super short skirts who get on tables at the bar and take shots. I mean don’t get me wrong its great to have fun with your girls, but sometimes it’s like, “Really? this place has dollar drafts…”
Favorite movie and why:
So my favorite movie (well, actually movies) has to be the Lord of the Rings series. They’re just epic. I used to read the books as a kid, and then around 8th grade or so the first movie came out. I thought they did an awesome job incorporating so much of the book into the movies which is really hard to do with such a dense story. Also, the scenery is awesome having been filmed all around the world in places like New Zealand. Oh, and lastly, I have to give a shout out to Jurassic Park- that was a childhood favorite of mine. It’s the quintessential movie for any seven-year-old kid going through that “ I’m obsessed with dinosaurs” phase that they all go through. Regardless, I still watch it when it comes on AMC.
Celebrity Crush and why:
Definitely Natalie Portman. I like her because she’s got that “girl next door” look but can still be a badass in roles like V for Vendetta or Star Wars. Not only is she cute, but she’s versatile too; starring in a range of movies from No Strings Attached to Black Swan to The Other Boelyn Girl. The girl’s got talent. Also, she seems to be pretty classy off stage, and someone I’d actually enjoy hanging out with.
Future Career Goals/Ambitions:
Currently, I’m looking to involve my passion for languages, culture and travel into a career. I am an English and Spanish double major and, after graduation, I look to apply those skills to a program teaching English in a Spanish-speaking country for a year or so. When I come back, I’d like to continue the spread of cross-cultural awareness by tapping into the International Education industry and focusing on Language and Study Abroad programs for young people. Eventually I’d like to design my own exchange programs and begin integrating new technology to the spread of global awareness of cultural differences. In the interim, I also plan to focus on practicing my Translation and Interpretation at the local level.
Hobbies/Interests:
I love being outside. While the city of Boston has a special place in my heart, I really feel at home outdoors and especially by the beach. When in my hometown, I like to take my kayak out on the bay or bring my Black Lab, Oliver, to the beach (not for nothing, but he is also such a chick magnet. I swear, he gets more attention than me…). I also enjoy hiking with friends, running, bike riding, and reading a good book.
Most embarrassing moment:
Anytime I get asked this question, one event always pops into my head. While I’m sure many embarrassing moments have happened since then, I can’t help think about the time I walked into a girl’s bathroom in 8th grade. It was during Math Class, and, bored, I got up to go to the bathroom. We were temporarily in the High School seeing as how the Jr. High was under construction and I got a little disoriented. I was about half in when I realized there were no urinals and there was a yellow flip-flop tapping away underneath a stall. Naturally I bumped into three older girls on the way out who had a good laugh. I never skipped Math class after that.
Best date you’ve ever been on:
The best date I’ve ever been on probably took place when I studied abroad in Madrid. After desperately trying to get a European female to talk to me, I finally met this Spanish girl at a club. Her name was Marta and she was obsessed with New York, so naturally I had a jump-off point as an American. A week or so after we met, we met up at a coffee place and talked, then walked around the park. Marta was extremely sweet, intelligent and open minded. She was also good at English and so wanted to practicing speaking to me. I, on the other hand, wanted to practice my Spanish. So, effortlessly, the two of us kept on talking, her in English and me in Spanish. I thought it was great because, intuitively, we both just accommodated each other. Although we’ve been long since separated, I still consider her a friend and we still chat on Facebook sometimes.
3 things you would bring with you to a deserted island:
Okay, so besides the whole “survival kit” thing that first comes to mind, I’d have to bring 1. Oliver (that dog I told you about) because I feel like it’d get pretty lonely out there…and he’s actually someone I wouldn’t get sick of. 2. A kindle (with a solar panel charger) so I could have unlimited reading material and, let’s see…3. Chapstick, just because a day I leave the house without it is a day I miss it.
Best part about your Suffolk experience so far?
The best part about my experience at Suffolk so far is all the travel I’ve been able to do and the people I’ve been able to meet because of it. Being from a small town, I always knew I wanted to get out there and see more of the world, but being at Suffolk has allowed me to expand so much. Not only have I learned so much and met so many amazing people in Boston, but I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Madrid, Rome, London, Prague, Dublin…the list goes on. And its all thanks to the amazing international programs at this school. I’ve also loved meeting so many people from different countries and backgrounds at Suffolk.
Whats an interesting fact about you most people don’t know? An interesting fact about me that most people probably don’t know is that I’m a twin. Yes, that’s right, a twin, but no, not identical. My brother and I are fraternal which means that we were born at the same time, but don’t look exactly alike. It’s not like I don’t talk about my bro, but he doesn’t go to Suffolk, and a lot of times I’ve known someone for quite a while before I casually drop a story that happens to be about my twin brother. When that happens they just look at me wide-eyed and say “You have a twin?! Why didn’t I know?!” and it’s kind of like, oh woops, you didn’t know?
Most romantic thing you’ve done for a girl/women?
So probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever done involved me channeling my inner-English major. It took a lot of guts, but I asked an ex-girlfriend to Winter Ball through an old fashioned love poem. She was an Art History major and really appreciated that kind of stuff, and I made it look really old by using the technique that they show you in like the third grade when you take a tea bag and dip it on the paper, you know what I’m talking about? Anyways, she really appreciated it. Needless to say we are no longer together, but we had a great time. And if I ever needed to submit a poem for class, I feel I could definitely get an A on it…
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Name: Carlos Martinez
Hometown: New York City
Class: 2015
Major/Minor (or interest): Government Major, Spanish Minor
Activities on Campus: Soccer, Lacrosse
Relationship Status: Single
Hobbies: Reading, playing soccer, going to the beach
Why did you choose to play lacrosse?
Better than baseball & my older brother plays and introduced me to the sport
Lacrosse position: Midfield
Favorite thing about being in college:
Parties, exposure to new things, and meeting new people
Your ideal date: Simple dinner with good conversation
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The power to control time
Why he’s our Campus Cutie:
Whether he’s scoring on the field or living it up in the big city, this NYC cutie will surely catch your eye!
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Name: Geoff Carabin
Year: Sophomore
Major: Spanish
Status: Single
Hometown: Medina, OH
How are you involved on campus?
I’m an OUAB member, participate in BBQ Club, play intramural football and basketball, am involved in running club, run track and participate in Buck-I-Serv.
What are the qualities you look for in a girl?
She must be nice, has to laugh at my jokes (even if they’re corny) and she must be outgoing.
What is your ideal first date?
I would love to go to an Indians game (but ONLY if they win). If not, a dinner and a movie is fine.
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
“Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined.”
What are your plans for next year?
To study abroad in Spain.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Jenny Finch of the USA softball team.
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Name: Phil Hartman
Year: Sophomore
Age: 20
Hometown: Alexandria, Va
Major: Communication Studies Major, Spanish Minor
Dream Job: Travel Agent or ESL Teacher
Relationship Status: Single
Interests & Activities: Swimming, volleyball, reading, and just about anything outside.
Celebrity Crush: Jenn Aniston
Biggest turn-off: Self-Consciousness
Blondes or brunettes: Brunettes
My ideal date would be…
Cooking up a nice dinner for her and getting to know each other, then going out to do something fun and crazy that we will both remember and laugh about.
The thing I’m looking forward to the most this summer…
Spending time with my family and dog, and getting my freckle on at the beach and pool.
JMU girls are the best because…
They’re friendly. They know what they want and aren’t afraid to go get it.
3 words that best describe Phil:
Determined, sincere, weird.
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Name: Victor Sanchez
Class Year: 2013
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico [The Island of Enchantment]
Relationship Status: Single & ready to mingle
Major: Modern Foreign Languages [Italian & French]
Campus Activities: Alpha Phi Omega, SU Abroad, Tutoring
Dream Job: A very important and needed translator
Pet Peeve: People that are loud for no particular reason and people that have bad breath [a good dental hygiene is very important]
Fun Fact: I speak 4 different languages and can make most things sound romantic with my Romance Languages Vocabulary
Anything else you’d like to say:
I’m the type of person who is friendly when you’re nice…sarcastic when you’re cynical…and devious when you’re mean! That’s me!
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Name: Reid Pilch
Age: 18
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Studying: Major in Economics, minor in Romance Languages and Literature
So, Campus Cutie, what do you think about that?
Flattered, I guess?
Dream job: Attorney in SIN corporate law or IP law, although I really have no idea yet.
Favorite place in Phoenix: Home
Favorite place in Chicago: All the little alleys and back roads where tourists never go, like the little restaurants filled with their own stories!
Glass half full or half empty?
Half empty. Not to sound depressing, but I just think it’s a bit more realistic that way.
Cause you believe strongly in: Anything to do with sustainable development and micro-financing. I really think the best way to go about making people’s lives better is to let them start their own small businesses in their own country.
Organization you would most like to work for: The World Bank, not that it doesn’t have its own fair share of problems. But for the most part I think it does a lot of good work.
One country you would love to travel to: Developing countries in Latin America, since I’m learning Spanish and I loved being there.
What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
Education is the big thing for me. I think that the key for the US to remain competitive is education. So, reforming primary and secondary schools, an emphasis on bilingualism, and financing our math and science programs…it’s really the only way we’ll stay competitive with other countries
Name three “loves”: Children of Men, Adlai Stevenson, and Jelly Belly Jellybeans
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Name: Ethan Smith
Classification: Junior.
Major: Strategic Communications (French minor).
Hometown: Mangum, Okla.
Career Goals: I plan to travel often and to live in a large city; preferably New York.
Nickname: “GQ, Hufflepuff, E. (I don’t answer to any of these)”
Role Model and why: My dog. He is always in an excellent mood.
Internships: Oklahoma Democratic Party under the Communications Director.
Tell us about your first kiss:
School had just let out when I was in 5th grade. She had something to tell me so I followed her outside and she planted one on my lips. I was flabbergasted.
Boxers or Briefs: Is underwear necessary?
Favorite thing about girls: They’re not guys.
Most embarrassing memory: I pooped my pants. Sophomore year of high school.
Do you prefer blonde or brunette: Brunette. Brunette. Brunette.
Favorite vacation location: The beach. Any beach.
Biggest pet-peeve: Don’t touch me.
Biggest fear: Crickets.
Your drink of choice: Dr. Pepper.
What would be your dream date: It would involve food. Lots of food.
What do you like to do on a rainy day:
Anything that involves the rain, namely mud wrestling.
What is your favorite quote:
“This was tough. I suggested we flip a coin, but Angela said she doesn’t like to gamble. Of course by saying that she was gambling that I wouldn’t smack her.” – Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer)
What is your biggest turn off in a girl: If she is a snooty harlot, I’m out.
What do you think your best asset is: My ability to think.
How would you describe your dream girl? Beyonce.
If you could be one person other than yourself, who and why: Harry Potter. This counts, right?
Do you prefer a sport girl or a girly-girl: Sporty.
What political party do you consider yourself: Independent. (Or Democratic)
When was the last time you cried: Me? Cry? Two weeks ago.
Do you like Children: I hope to someday.
Relationship Status: Single.
Celebrity Crush: Beyonce. Or Keira Knightley. Or Emma Watson/Stone…
Man crush: Steve Carell
What is your favorite pick-up line: Does anyone use these anymore?
First date, what is your go to outfit: Nice pants, nice shirt and my winning smile.
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Name: Eric Oliver
Year: Senior (’12)
Major: International Relations
Relationship Status: Single
Hometown: Plymouth, New Hampshire
What he does on campus: Changes the world by interning at the Global Fund for Human Rights, practices his Portuguese (yes ladies, he speaks Portuguese) as a member of the Brazilian Club, and is a proud brother of Alpha Sigma Phi. As if that’s not enough, Eric also is an A-list actor as made apparent by his performance in “Heaven and Hell” and various student films.
Interests: Fixing the world, learning languages (he’s fluent in Spanish and Portuguese), art, traveling, reading Hemingway, and dancing with props. And juice.
“Not only is Eric super cute, but he also has a great heart. He literally will do anything for his family and friends, and genuinely wants to make an impact in the world. And oh yeah, he can dance. Done and done.”
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Name: Jordan Appleyard
Hometown: New London, Pennsylvania
Major/Minor: Environmental Science / French minor
Activities on Campus: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Relationship Status: Single
Favorite color: Red
Hobbies: Reading, running, watching movies and playing basketball, guitar and video games.
Best Personality Traits: Willingness to try new things, ambition, integrity
Describe your ideal date: Getting lunch somewhere simple, then spending hours walking along White Clay Creek, getting ice cream at Woodside creamery, then curling up to watch a movie
If you could have three wishes, what would they be?:
- 1) That my parents could retire and live in luxury for the rest of their days
- 2) That I could spend my entire life practicing medicine in underprivileged countries around the world
- 3) That the world would be more conscious and proactive about living sustainability
- And of course, one embarassing thing about yourself: I have a weird sense of humor that people don’t always take the right way
Why he’s our Campus Cutie: Even with his busy schedule, Jordan found some time to talk to us at HerCampus! His charm, ambition and compassion for others won’t keep him single for long!
Name: Jackson Eagan
Jackson Eagan is a sophomore Cinema and Photography major and Spanish minor from Madison, Wisconsin. When he’s not working on film sets , helping out as a Spanish TA or working as a student manager at the Campus Center dining hall, you can find him playing ultimate frisbee with his friends or playing the ukelele.
Why did you come to IC?
I liked the name (laughs) and I’m from Madison Wisconsin, and it’s a hippie, good-will college town with a lake – actually two lakes. So it’s kind of like home and it’s got a really good film program.
As a film major, what is your favorite movie?
I like Big Fish, Babel, and Slumdog Millionaire.
What would the average person not know about you?
I’m really into playing and dancing folk music.
What’s your dream for the future?
I’d love to live in Argentina, maybe and be a translator, bu tmake films on the side. And you know Paris Je T’aime and New Yorksomeday I want to make Buenos Aires, Te Quiero.
What’s your relationship status?
Single.
What are good traits in a person?
Someone who would open a door for you and who’s open-minded and who can listen.
What is your life motto?
I’ve got chills, they’re multiplying.