When I emailed AJ about doing an interview with me for Her Campus, I was a little nervous that he wasn’t going to accept. To my surprise, he actually one-upped my request. He asked me if I wanted to sit down at the Oxford Exchange and have some tea while I question him, which is so typical for the friendly, tea-loving, UT celebrity: AJ Guedouar!
While we were crossing the street to the trendy eatery, The North-End Boston native tells me that he loves Oxford Exchange because there’s always bright, natural light and motivated people there. This is no surprise to me, as AJ always has his office door open to his students in Brevard. Whether they’re going through tough times or just want to chat, AJ will always have the perfect words of encouragement. And, if he’s not in his office, you’ll probably find him sitting outside at the tables of Vaughn Courtyard, sipping from his tea infused water, of course.
We get our tea and take a seat at one of the tables between Tebella and Buddy Brew Coffee Co. He tells me that his favorite part of Tampa is that, “there is always something new to try and fun to do!” which of course makes complete sense seeing as though the nutrition and health enthusiast is also an active ultimate Frisbee and soccer player. He hopes to see the world change in a positive, nutritional way, as well as advance in sustained dialogue on racism and privilege.
Being such a positive light on the UT community, I ask the young professional who his role model is. “Sean Thompson,” he tells me, “Coordinator of Orientation at the University of Rhode Island and he was also a mentor and advisor to me when I was in college. He is the reason for why I became involved in student affairs.”
Mr.Guedouar is also known for his notable fashion sense, wing tips and skinny ties that are on point. Do you want to know his shopping secret? J.Crew (outlet). Gentlemen, take note. But, aside from being well-dressed, AJ is also very proud of the accomplishments that he has made thus far in his life. “[I’m proud of] being able to establish a life for myself after moving away from home after college and being completely on my own, not being dependent on anyone else.” As a school with a high population of northeast students and internationals, we can feel for you, AJ. In fact, we also shared an agreement on one particular topic, “When the Patriots won the Super Bowl, no one here cared and all my friends back home cared. I miss being part of the masses that appreciate New England sports!”
Most of AJ’s residents also know him for one thing, and that is his love for Disney. When asking him what his favorite station on Pandora was, he answers (in a sing-songy voice) “Disney! 4pm every Friday in my office.” Mention Frozen to him and he will not let it go.
Unrelated to UT, we also talked about his most embarrassing moment, because who would give up the chance to ask anyone this? “When I was 5, I got expelled from kindergarten (it was French) because there was an argument over sharing, so I peed on all of the Legos so I wouldn’t have to share them.” What a rebel. Alongside his most embarrassing childhood memory, he also talked about his best, “Growing up I got to see my dad about once a week for two weeks. When I was 11 years old, there was a roller coaster named ‘Goliath’ at the Six Flags in Texas, and I remember screaming and crying in the line and my dad wouldn’t take me out of the line, but after getting off the ride I made him ride it over and over again with me 15 times and I wouldn’t let him ride any other ride but that one.” How sweet!
Like the rest of us, AJ also enjoys some Netflix in his life. One thing he can’t live without is HGTV because “If ESPN has me down, I turn to HGTV because it gives me hope that someday I can purchase beachfront property.” His favorite season is spring because “you appreciate it so much more after winter… granted we are in Florida” and if he won a million dollars, he would pay off the student loans for himself and his sisters, set up wedding accounts for all three of his sisters, and buy enough tea to last him a lifetime.
Finally, the last thing that he tells me before wrapping up our interview was a few words of wisdom for the freshman of UT. “Don’t get lost (figuratively speaking). Remember your purpose and why you’re here, and get yourself involved with people and organizations that support your purpose.” Listen to the man, he knows what he’s talking about! Who’s not going to trust a well-dressed man in a skinny tie?