Elliot Tan is a passionate environmentalist with an ecstatic sense of humour. He actually enjoys winters and has funny hair. When he’s not playing video games, he’s jamming with his guitar or longboarding. In general, he possesses a vast interest in the world and the people around him.
The Basics
Major: Environment and Health
Year: U2
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario (The Pit Stop of Southern Canada)
Relationship Status: Single!!
Erica Ng for Her Campus McGill (HC McGill): First of all, what are some your favourite things about Montreal?
Elliot Tan (ET):
i) Poutine
ii) Winter. Seriously, this city is actually so beautiful when it’s not -40 and the snow is fresh. There are so many activities too! Nuit Blanche is one of my favourite times of the year. Summers are just too hot for me, I’m way more comfortable when it’s colder out.
iii) In Place Des-Arts, there’s a fountain area above the St. Catherine’s entrance. I always love hanging out there when it’s not a festival. It’s always really quiet, and the view of the skyline is really pretty.
HC McGill: If you could change the world in any way, what would it be?
ET: The official answer would be to find a solution to climate change. In the next 10 years, climate change is going to be humanity’s biggest issue, whether it’s in terms of population displacement, spreading diseases, and/or a lack of water. However, my unofficial answer would be to get rid of those dregs at the bottom of your coffee that are super bitter and gross, or maybe more poutine. Probably both.
HC McGill: If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would play you?
ET: Jaden Smith for the childhood, Michael Cera for the teen years, and then Simon Pegg.
HC McGill: What’s a fun fact about you that you don’t think many people know?
ET: Sometimes my hair does this thing where it suddenly becomes anime hair. I’m mean straight up spiked, or half spiked at the sides, or when it’s simply flying everywhere. I don’t even gel it anymore (shout-outs to the high school fauxhawk), it just kind of happens when it dries. Chances are that this happened, if you see me with a hat on.
HC McGill: What’s the most attractive quality about a girl and where would you take her on your first date?
ET: This is going to be incredibly cheesy, but I’m all about the classic eyes and smile combination. I would probably say a concert at a small venue or somewhere that’s not too loud, and then a walk up to Mont Royal afterwards (yes, I am a romantic at heart).
HC McGill: Who’s your celebrity crush?
ET: I don’t really follow the celebrity scene, but I guess Dave Grohl. If you watch his interviews, he’s one of the most genuine, down to earth “rock stars” out there, and still kills it on the stage.
HC McGill: Favourite hobbies and interests when you’re not studying?
ET: This is super dorky, but I’m really into the whole video game and e-sport thing or Smash. I think it’s amazing how quickly the industry has grown, and has become nearly mainstream. As a closeted nerd, this makes me really happy. I’m also really into crooning with my guitar (I’m sorry that my roommates have to put up with it, you’re the best). I’m also kind of into longboarding; if you see a longboard flying across campus without a rider it’s probably mine, so come say hi and join up! Also K-Pop (Big Bang for life).
HC McGill: What’s your motto in life and what do you live for?
ET: Beach Day err’ day. But in all seriousness, my close loved ones I guess. They’ve always been there when things have been tough, and I’ll always be there for them too.