Jacob Fuhr chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about becoming a Mister Florida finalist for the 2025 Mister USA competition.
On being a finalist to potentially advance and represent the state of Florida in the 2025 Mister USA pageant, he said, “It feels amazing, and I am really excited about the opportunity to represent Florida. I can’t really believe this is happening. I hope I will get the chance to compete with some of my friends who are representing other states. I am excited to have this platform to talk about the things that I am willing to support.”
Significance of Florida
“I was born and raised in Florida, and I grew up in Tampa,” he said. “I grew up playing soccer for Tampa Bay United. I went to the University of Florida, where I was a Division I Cheerleader, and then, I started my modeling career during Miami Swim Week. I have some very deep roots in Florida. My whole family is from Florida; my father also went to the University of Florida, so I’m a Florida boy through and through.”
Advocacy for Mister USA
Fuhr opened up about what he would advocate should be become the Florida contender for this year’s Mister USA.
“I was a Cheerleader at the University of Florida, and that turned into being a cheerleading instructor,” he said. “Through the organization that I work with, we support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so we raise a lot of money to support them and their research.”
“I want to help raise awareness not only for that organization but also work on the healing power of sports and athletics as well. It’s a great place to build community and work on so many other things (interpersonal skills) and it’s a great way to stay healthy. This is what I am hoping to use this platform for,” he elaborated.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he said, “Honestly, becoming a cheerleader was a defining moment. I was a competitive soccer player for my entire life, and then I decided to pursue academics instead when I went to the University of Florida. It was a great way to stay in shape, and I found a community, and I was able to represent my university.”
“It gave me the platform to grow my social media presence, and it also launched my modeling career. That was a big turning point. I saw the impact I could have; I started making educational videos for people and I tried to learn different skills in the cheerleading world and that ran into everything that I now have. So, that was one of the most impactful things,” he elaborated.
Advice for young and aspiring cheerleaders
For young and emerging cheerleaders, Fuhr said, “I would say to just follow your heart, do what makes you happy, and honestly, what is the most fun. I’m a big side quest person so always follow that side quest. Try different things, even if it is not cheerleading. Do anything and everything that you can until you find what you love, and honestly, keep working and have fun.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Change.”
“My post-grad career is just starting,” he admitted. “I am super excited to see what happens.”
Superpower of choice
When asked about his desired superpower, he responded, “Honestly, to control the elements. I was a big ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ kid growing up, so I always wanted to be Avatar. I would fly and do some other cool stuff.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Fuhr said, “Success means fulfillment and happiness, which can come from a bunch of different things. These can be career-focused or numerical or finding a community of people (I like to keep a close circle with the people in that circle). I want to feel content with what I am doing, as well as continuing to grow and learn. If I am doing that, I feel like I am successful.”
“You can use your background, interests and skills to make a real difference in the world. It doesn’t really matter what that is, but as long as you are passionate and willing to work for it, then you can make some real change,” he added.
Closing thoughts on his desire to become the 2025 Mister Florida
Fuhr concluded, “My background is diverse and by no means conventional, but I feel I can make a difference, and I am hoping I can continue on that journey if I make it in this year’s Mister USA, so I can help more people.”
To learn more about Jacob Fuhr, follow him on Instagram.
