Marc Andrew of Massachusetts chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about competing for the 2025 Mister USA pageant.
American author and life coach Tony Robbins once said: “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” This quote applies to Marc Andrew, who is representing the state of Massachusetts at this year’s Mister USA competition.
Mister USA pageant
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.
Last year, Massachusetts, which is affectionately known as the “Bay State,” was represented by U.S. Coast Guard veteran Drew McVey in the Mister USA pageant, and now, Marc Andrew is following into his footsteps.
“Honestly, it feels like a privilege,” he said about competing for Mister USA. “I feel that I literally worked so hard on myself, regardless of Mister USA. Right now, I am a manager of a hospitality group. Having the opportunities in life that I have no feels like a blessing. I feel that representing Mister USA as Mister Massachusetts is the icing on top.”
He continued, “I came from a family that grew up in one little apartment in Boston. My family moved from Ukraine to Boston, and they came here without speaking English. I was born in Boston but I didn’t speak any English myself until I was six or seven years old because my family only spoke Russian and Ukrainian. That way, by the time I hit school, nobody taught me the alphabet or anything.”
“I was so foreign; I grew up in a traditional European-type of household trying to get accustomed to the American culture was different for me, at first; however, growing up the way that I did taught me diversity and culture, and that is something I am very appreciative of. If it wasn’t for that diverse background, I wouldn’t be the same person that I am today.”
“By experiencing these different cultures, I now have a passion for travel and for people with a different background. I am better able to understand people that grew up with almost nothing and made a name of themselves and found a way to be the best version of themselves for their families.”
“I am here now to represent, not only myself, but my family and other people that were raised like me,” he added.
Advocacy for Mister USA
On his advocacy, he said, “We live in a time of social pressure. The biggest thing is inclusivity. There is a lot of judgement and a lot of people are afraid of giving their opinion in general regardless of what it is… It could be sexuality, it could be fitness goals or financial status. I feel that people are scared of being true to themselves. What I am advocating for is a safe space.”
“Lately, I am really loving Run Clubs, and I think that’s a great thing. Find some buddies and just go outside and run. Judgement-free, get your sweat on and just go out and enjoy socializing, This gives people a chance to explore new things,” he added.
Future plans
On his future plans, he shared, “Now, I am moving back home, and I want to create a private gym. I’ve always loved fitness. My end goal is to be a business owner of a gym, and to allow people to do whatever they want in that gym. I want them to be comfortable in their own skin.”
“I want people to find a way to love themselves for the way they are. As someone who has struggled with mental health and I am pretty open about it on my platforms, finding something that makes you happy and find your own motivation; that is what is going to bring you success in life,” he added.
Success
Regarding his definition of success, he stated, “If you are simply the best version of yourself, then in a way, you are doing yourself a service, and you are providing yourself with success.”
“Now, as an adult, I’ve realized that failing in life can lead to success, and you can learn from your mistakes,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “The Homecoming.”
“Arizona has treated me well, I love it, I’ve learned so much, but I am ready to go back to a place where I have forever called home, and that’s Boston,” he clarified.
“Everything that I was presented when I was younger has created me to be the person that I am today, and now I want to teach and give back to the community that I was raised. That is my biggest thing: I want to give back,” he concluded.
To learn more about Marc Andrew, follow him on Instagram.
