Exclusive Interview: Mr.Teen Caribbean United Nation 2013 Michael Lewis

Meet Michael Lewis the reigning Mr.Teen Caribbean United Nation 2013 who will be presenting the Caribbean at the Mr United Nation 2013 in Mexico.

 

Recently, we had a chance to sit down and chat with him about how his life has changed since winning the title and his plans for capturing the Mr. United Nation title

 

Tell us about yourself?

I am a sincere, talented, genuine, passionate, self-empowered, influential, innovative and creative 19 year old Aquarius, who boastfully attends the Denbigh High School in Clarendon; Jamaica, where I am currently completing my final year of sixth form. I relish: singing, drawing, dancing, dramatizing, researching, reading and creating poems, stories and blogs. I am great at building a harmonious and synergistic atmosphere with new individuals and I have always been willing to try new things and be creative. One thing that really stands out is my genuineness and sincerity that is radiated in everything I do. I not only preach self-empowerment, I also exemplify and radiate it myself. I don't think of myself as a poor deprived youth who is making good. I think of myself as someone who from an early age, knew I had to make the best of my opportunities. I believe that the greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude and the biggest adventure one can take, is to live the life of their dreams. I am a true epitome of a substantially successful young Jamaican and I am able not only to make a difference in my own life, but in other people's lives.

 

Give us a synopsis of your best and worst quality.

Let me begin with my worst quality, which is that I am a little impatient at times! I always like to get things done and I don't 'fluff around'. I work quickly so when things take longer than they should I get impatient. However, I have definitely got better. As my grandmother always say that ‘patience is a virtue.’ Now, my best quality is sometimes one of my worst qualities. I always want to do my very best with whatever I do, and I can sometimes be too hard on myself.

 

What do you like to do for fun?

I love performing! I love being on stage, speaking, doing drama, acting, singing (in the shower!) and also dancing. Going out for dinner or to a music gig or festival is something I really enjoy. I also really enjoy meeting new people and learning about others and what interesting things or stories they have to tell.  

 

What is your personal motto that best describes your view of life?

My personal motto is and will always be, ‘If you give a man a fish; you feed him for a day. However, if you teach a man to fish; you feed him for life.’ This is simply promoting that it is more worthwhile to teach someone to do something, than to do something for them.

 

How important is community service to you?

Personally, community service is one hundred percent important. It takes a village to raise a child and my entire community helped in the molding process of my childhood. Hence, giving back to my community is a paramount thing to do; since I believe, ‘life is easier when you are part of a network of friends and family in a neighborhood’.

 

Are you involved in any community service activities?

Yes I am actively involved in my community. In fact, I have a good record of community service and valuable volunteer experiences. I am an active member of the Glenmuir citizens association; I have participated in community clean-ups, planning family fun days and holiday trips for community members to enjoy. I am also the only Teen-Journalist from my community, I initiated the ‘Each One-Teach One Foundation’ and separately, I offer my time on Saturdays to tutor GSAT students. All of these experiences have helped to form me although I have faced many challenges, balancing community service, co-curricular activities and academics in the same light.

 

Did you believe when you entered that you had a good chance at winning the Mr Teen Caribbean United Nation contest or was it a bit of a surprise to you?

Winning the title as Mr Caribbean United Nations was in truth and in fact, a bit of a surprise to me. All the contestants were talented and intelligent and all our minds were directed towards having fun in the competition since we were constantly reminded by the pageant director; Mr L. Williams that we should not believe in failure because it is not failure if we’ve enjoyed the process.

 

What quality do you possess that sets you apart from any other contestant?

All contestants in the competition had their own characteristics, quirks and personality. Therefore, I think that my experience in three previous pageants, my involvement and the way I articulated Jamaica’s rich and diverse culture helped a lot in placing a partition between me and the other contestants.

 

How has things changed since winning Mr Teen Caribbean United Nation.  Are you like a celebrity at school and in your hometown?

Not really. I was known to be a role model in the past (before winning this title) and I persist to be an inspiration to individuals at school, church and in my community.

 

Do you see yourself as a kind of ‘role model’ to younger men now?

I believe that anyone can be a role model, whether they want to be or not. First of all, I am told by many individuals that I am an inspiration for them to do positive stuff and surprisingly these comments thrown at me are directed from mostly young male individuals. So, yes I see myself as a role model to younger men now.

 

How does it feel to represent the Caribbean in Mr Teen United Nations 2013?

It is a surreal feeling that fills me with humility and honour. It is a dream come true to be a part of another international competition and represent not only the different Caribbean countries, but myself and have the opportunity to be an ambassador for the World.

 

Your next step is to compete for the Mr Teen United Nations in Mexico. How are you preparing for this competition?

I am thoroughly organized so I am constantly creating lists and action plans to ensure I am ready by the time I get on the plane to leave. I also attend training on assigned Saturday in my home country at the Pegasus Hotel. These training sessions are geared towards improving my talent piece and interviewing and relation skills. Apart from making sure I physically have everything I need, I am staying positive and relaxed; I am very excited for what is to come. All I can do is be myself, enjoy the experience and do the best I can and everything will fall into place. ‘You can't prepare being yourself!’

Why do you want to become Mr Teen United Nations 2013?
 I want to become Mr Teen United Nations 2013 because I know I have exactly what it takes to be an amazing ambassador for the world. To be able to make a difference on such a large scale inspires me and my dream is to be able to do this full time. I want to work with and for the world to create positive change by taking action. Any title holder in the United Nations pageant has a unique opportunity to do this. Another reason is that this title is so appealing to me and would be the highest of all privileges I feel possible, bringing far more than the visible rewards. I want to make a positive change and to be able to embrace so many countries, people’s ways of life and find a way of bringing all of these together as one, is something you can only dream of.

 

What is your platform?

In my eyes I visualize that some individuals in Jamaica and around the world lack confidence and motivation. Hence, my platform is cantered on Self-motivation and confidence which I believe are the two internal driving forces to achieving something worthwhile. With this platform, I have already conceptualized that after the international competition in Mexico. I, alongside the National Director of the United Nation’s Pageant would launch a self-empowerment campaign using Social Medias and this will be the root of encouragement, motivation and inspiration for many young people around the world.  Upon initializing this campaign, I acknowledge the fact that I can’t do it alone. Therefore I’m taking this opportunity to request help for persons and organizations who would be interested.

 

Is your platform initiated in your community and will it impact your country?

In my community, I always tell my peers to be a role model for others. Absolutely “NOTHING” beats self-motivation and confidence. Utter the following words: say, “Yes I Can!” In return, having more self-motivated and confident individuals in my community and in my country will aid in accomplishing the 2030 National Development Plan for making "Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.” I strongly believe his vision cannot be accomplished with individuals who lack self-confidence.

 

Apart from this achievement, what are your proudest achievements?

Well, I enjoy the arts and participated in many competitions for which I obtained many awards and media highlights. I was awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth Award in the category of Arts and Culture. This award is the highest honour bestowed on Jamaicans between 15 and 24 years of age, who have achieved eminent national and international distinction.  In 2011, I also obtained the first and fourth highest score for CSEC Theatre Arts in Jamaica and the Caribbean respectively out of a vast number of students. Recently, I was overwhelmed when I was awarded by my high school the title ‘student school’s ambassador’ at their prize giving ceremony.

 

In the world today, what bothers you the most and why?

There's unfortunately a lot of negativity in this world and a lot of wrong doings and when I think about them it truly gets me quite down because I wish I could do more to make a difference. Things such as: the environment and its sustainability, the economy, human rights, diseases (both physically and mental), animal rights, etc!

However, what bothers me the most is probably that some people don’t care about these horrific issues. People often think ‘I can’t do anything about it so why should I care’ which bothers me tremendously. This bothers me because I don’t understand how people don’t feel compelled to help or do something by these issues even if they are not directly affecting them. If everyone asked themselves ‘how can I help?’ and act right the world would be a much better place.

 

What is your career ambition?

Upon graduating from University, I wish to meticulously help in composing parts of Jamaica’s history by being a ‘watchdog’ for society as my grandmother would coin it. Simply put, I want to become one of Jamaica’s best Journalists and embrace a change by contributing in meaningful ways to social, economic, spiritual, business, environmental and political growth and development.

 

Do you think a college education is important to succeed in today’s society?

It has become evident that the education to employment link is consequently been broken worldwide. Bill Gates dropped out of college and it certainly didn't hold him back. While everybody is not able to gain a college education it is of utmost importance for any individual to succeed in today’s society. College education is important because an individual need a degree in order to get a decent job or a stable career. Without a good job or career one won’t be able to support self or to build a family one day in this harsh economy. And I personally believe that a College education shows that one has motivation to succeed in life.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
 I see myself as a past Mr Teen United Nations title holder who is continuing to work with and for charities. I see myself as a well-recognised international positive public figure. To be able to continue with my Drama work and help children and young adults with confidence development and life coaching would be amazing. I want to continue to feel good about the differences I am making to lives.

 

What person would you most like to meet and why?

I would want to meet my most respected and admired public figure; Oprah Winfrey. She is a global leader and philanthropist. Through the power of media, she has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world including myself. She creates an atmosphere of openness, deals with difficult issues in a straightforward manner, listens well and shares information fully. She demonstrates the ability to motivate and she is persistent in commitments to charity. She has natural leadership skills and I want to emulate those skills.

 

What does the phrase ‘a man of substance’ means to you?

Personally the phrase "a man of substance" when heard immediately, I imagine a man with a strong and complete personality! I think of characteristics such as confidence, strong minded, influential, positive and enjoyable to be around. Someone who is independent, soulful and an elite role model who has strong values and morals while at the same time is humorous and understanding.

  

Where can you be contacted?
I can be contacted at my email:  or via the United Nations Pageant email: 

 

 

Photos by:Aaron Fogah (ttp://fogahstyles.com)

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