As the host of Extra and America’s Best Dance Crew, not to mention a memorable contestant on Dancing With The Stars, Mario Lopez’s adorable dimples have been charming viewers for years. Still, most of us grew up watching Lopez a.k.a. A.C. Slater hitting the halls of Bayside in a tight wrestling one-piece that didn’t leave a whole lot to the imagination on the hit teen sitcom Saved By The Bell. Clearly, Lopez doesn’t lack versatility – or confidence! If this is your first year at a big university or you’re hoping to break out of your shell and make this a year to remember, Lopez offers his go-to tips for winning friends and influencing people.

You have a packed schedule with your hosting duties and you’re still acting. What kind of advice can you offer incoming freshmen about balancing different demands of classwork and going out and meeting new people?
I think you can’t really get caught up in just looking at a piece of paper like, “Oh my gosh! How am I going to do this and then this and then this?” I think you have to have the mentality that this has to be done and you don’t have a choice. Just do it. And be careful how you budget your time. You don’t want to rush things either because you want to do a good job. I’m a pretty energetic guy, and I handle a lot. I think everything just sort of complements each other. Stay focused and one thing kind of leads to another, whether it be work-wise or what have you. I think it makes you a more well-rounded individual and have a lot more to offer.

Do you work hard and play hard?
Everything I do is excessive. I work hard. I train hard. I play hard. I do everything to the extreme – to the fullest. When it’s time to chill out, then I’ll chill out in a hard way I guess, and just really veg.

As a TV host, your job requires you to meet a lot of new people all the time. What’s a good go-to ice breaker?

I know it sounds cliché but really just try to be yourself. Work with the environment in which you’re in, whether you’re at the gym or in the classroom. Comment on something organic in your surroundings and go from there. Start off by asking them a question. I think if you’re asking a question it’s always cool because then you’re empowering the person. And just kind of go from there.

We all know your character AC Slater from Saved By the Bell was on the wrestling team. Do you recommend that for kids to be on sports teams and just kind of get out there?
Yeah, I do recommend that. I think wrestling is a great sport. Individual sports especially for guys, you get mentally tough and it creates focus and discipline. It’ll really help you out later in life. Obviously, I think you should focus on your studies but if you’ve got the time you should try to get involved in as many activities as your school has to offer. You meet other people and you automatically belong to a group. Whether you need to pledge or whatever the case may be. It’s all about making friendships that will last a lifetime there, at least that’s what the goal is. Friendships and relationships may come in handy later on. So join as many clubs or activities as you can and get involved in as many things as you can as long as they don’t interfere with your studies. I think those will help.

Do you still have the red jumpsuit from the show? Do you break it out ever?
My mom has it.

Last year, you were named People magazine's “Hottest Bachelor.” What kind of advice do you have for the shy guys? What’s a good way to talk to the hot girl in class?
I think be funny. You don’t have to necessarily be a fool, but you can kind of be funny, you show your wit and be clever. I think all girls, whether they’re hot or not, need to laugh and need a guy that makes them laugh. Work on your jokes. They come in handy at the front of your game.


Do you have a good piece of dating advice for students in college?
(Laughs.) When I was younger, I always tried to keep my priorities in check. But make sure you have fun as well. It’s all about having a healthy balance. Don’t get your priorities confused. Focus on your school work and take care of yourself. Work hard but be sure to party hard. And when you’re dating I think you’ve got to be young and maybe not worry so much about being in a serious relationship. It’s the time of your life you’re supposed to have fun. Don’t be reckless, but be sure to have fun.

We know you can dance. You were on Dancing With the Stars and now you’re the host of America’s Best Dance Crew. What ‘s your advice for the guys going to their first college party but seriously lacking rhythm? Any easy go-to moves?
Watch videos or Soul Train when you’re alone in your room and just kind of practice. Go on YouTube and check out the latest hip hop videos. You don’t have to emulate all the moves but just kind of work on getting a little bit of rhythm. You don’t have to be Usher up there but be at least be on beat and be on rhythm and it’ll be appreciated.

Since hosting Best Dance Crew, have you yourself picked up any dance moves?
Yeah! Just watch America’s Best Dance Crew! That’ll get you started. I make those kids show me moves all the time.

Speaking of gettin’ down, what are the key ingredients to throwing a great party?
I throw a lot of parties myself. I love to host and entertain. I think you just got to have the right combination of people. If you have the right people everything will go well. Of course, you want the right etiquette. Have enough drinks and entertain everybody. And plastic cups are big. It depends on the kind of party but be sure to have stuff to munch on.

Do you have a preference for theme parties?
I’m not big on themes. Unless it’s Halloween time, then I’m into costume parties.

Do you have a hangover cure?
Motrin.

For our graduates, what’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Try to create your own opportunities.

By Jillian Gordon