We sat down with our cover star, Stephon, who shares the values, mentors, and mindset that drive him and how he hopes to encourage others to reach their full potential.
Who or what has been your greatest motivator so far?
My greatest motivation comes from my belief that God placed us on this earth to fulfill a purpose, and it’s through life experiences that we discover what that purpose is. I see it as continuously reaching out to new initiatives, opportunities, and challenges until you find where you truly belong. Even when you feel comfortable, it’s important to share the knowledge and experiences you’ve gained, so that they don’t end with you but continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Growing up, who did you look up to most?
This could be someone in your family, community, or a public figure. For some people, their role models might be public figures, teachers, or celebrities, but for me, my role models have always been the people closest to me—my cousins. Growing up without siblings, they were my rock, my support system, and my family in every sense of the word. They helped shape me into the person I am today, guiding me, correcting me when I was wrong, and always being honest with me. Along with my mom and my Grammy, they’ve been my mentors, my biggest cheerleaders, and the people I have the most fun with. I’m truly grateful for their love and support, and for always encouraging me to do my best in everything I pursue.
Who keeps you grounded behind the scenes?
How have your family, friends, or mentors supported you along the way? I’ve spoken about my family and other support systems, but my friends also play a huge role in keeping me grounded. They help me hold onto the fun, childlike side of life and remind me not to take everything too seriously. Even though I tend to be mature and focused for my age, my friends encourage me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and just be a kid sometimes. Without them, I’d probably be all work and no play, and that wouldn’t be healthy. They balance me, and I’m really grateful for that.
Has a mentor, teacher, or role model ever said something to you that’s stuck with you?
Share the quote or moment that left a lasting impact. After not winning my school’s pageant and placing as runner-up, I was feeling really disappointed. I shared my feelings with a teacher, and she reminded me that sometimes rejection is actually redirection if something isn’t meant for you, there’s something bigger and better waiting. That advice turned out to be true for me, because I eventually earned the title of Mr. BNHS. I’m incredibly thankful to her and to God for guiding me and giving me the opportunity to grow and achieve this milestone.
What do you tell yourself when things get tough or self-doubt creeps in?
What keeps you moving forward? I remind myself that I’m not just doing this for me. I’m doing it for my parents, my family, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I want to make them proud, but I also want to continually better myself to create a brighter future. That’s why I keep pushing every day: setting new goals, earning new achievements, and participating in new initiatives. I believe that preparing for the future is just as important as living in the moment, and striving for both is what drives me forward.
How do you hope to inspire others now that you’re in the spotlight?
What kind of example do you want to set for young Bahamians?When young Bahamians look at me, I want them to see that being a role model isn’t just about the glamour and the glitz they should see how you carry yourself even when no one is watching. It’s about being presentable, compassionate, kind, and generous at all times, reflecting the values of our Christian nation in everything you do. I want people to know that they can trust me with leadership roles and initiatives because I demonstrate responsibility, excellence, and integrity in every task I take on. When they see me, I hope they understand that true leadership and presentation go much deeper than the surface they come from character, consistency, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
If someone wrote about you being their motivator five years from now, what would you hope they say?
Hopefully, five years from now, I will have made a meaningful impact enough for people to say that the work I’ve done has positively affected The Bahamas, my island, and my community. I hope that when they mention my name, they speak about how I listened to the needs of others, ensured their voices were heard, and worked to make a real difference in the lives of those around me.
