Stephen Harrison chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about being a part of the 2024 Mister USA competition, where he will be representing the state of Pennsylvania.
Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Stephen Harrison, who is a man of many talents: model, social influencer, and digital creator.
2024 Mister USA competition
On being a part of the upcoming Mister USA competition, he said, “I’m originally from Virginia but I was born in Pennsylvania. Even though I live in Virginia, I am able to use that title since I was born there, which is nice. I am really honored to be a part of it.”
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment. They believe in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants. “I am competing for Mister USA now and we will see where this goes,” he said. “Hopefully, we can use this platform to do something good for this world.”
Mister USA 2024 will be held on August 11, 2024 in Hollywood. The winner of Mister USA will subsequently represent USA at “Mister Universe” on September 28, 2024 at The Biltmore in Los Angeles.
“I was thrilled that they invited me to compete for it,” he said. “It would be neat to see how far it goes,” he said. “Mister USA would be great to use as a platform to get my charitable cause out, and then it would be all worth it.”
A love for outreach and conservation
While he enjoys modeling, his No. 1 passion in life is outreach and conservation. “I own a few companies in Virginia, where one specializes in educational outreach for conservation, and that is what gets me up in the morning every day,” he said.
“I am focused on the planet’s wellbeing,” he admitted. “This motivates me more than anything. I think if we make a huge impact on conservation right now, then the planet would be a much better place. I just hope this generation realizes that sooner rather than later.”
Recently, he was trending online because of the “James Franco cousin” comparisons. “Those were fun,” he said with a sweet laugh.
Future plans
On his plans for the future, he said, “I would love to establish my own outreach center. I am working towards that right now from a conservation standpoint. I definitely want to do that within the next five years.”
“I am also going back to college to get my degree in Veterinary Science,” he said.
Defining moments
On his defining moments, he said, “The impact that I am trying to have on conservation right now is a defining moment. That is something that means the most to me. If it wasn’t for that, I would work with animals, and I would find peace and tranquility with that.”
“When you know how to work with animals, then you know how to work with most people. I used to do a lot of horse-training and those simplistic moments being outside were so nice. I just like working with animals,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he said, “Self-discovery. “I am going back to college, and I am trying out new things right now,” he admitted.
Superpower of choice
His superpower of choice would be “being able to live underwater.” “That would be so cool, as long as I could see properly underwater; that’s what matters,” he said. “Talking to animals would be so cool and helpful as well.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Harrison said, “Success to me is happiness. If you are happy, then that’s all that matters. If you are serving God and your fellow neighbor, then that’s happiness to me.”
For his fans and supporters, he concluded, “Thank you. I appreciate them so much.”
To learn more about Stephen Harrison, follow him on Instagram.
