Coverboy: Eugene
The self-assured social butterfly
Anyone hoping to catch the attention of Eugene is going to have to come equipped with sharp wit, an encyclopedic knowledge of current events and a strong sales pitch. The 22-year-old Baltimore resident and New Jersey native loves intellectual conversation, but is often short on time as he tries to balance work and school, where he’s pursuing a master’s degree in communications. A self-described ”social butterfly,” Eugene comes from a loud, boisterous Irish-Puerto Rican family. ”I’m eccentric,” he says. “I love to be social, and I’m the type that commands the room.” Those rooms might be at Town, Cobalt or Nellie’s.
What’s on your nightstand?
Two books. One is Ricky Martin’s memoir, Me, which I stopped reading because he mentions ”La Vida Loca” way too much.
What’s in your nightstand drawer?
Nothing. I should probably put some of the clutter there.
What are your television favorites?
Law and Order: SVU, CSI, Family Guy, Glee.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
Pokémon. I had this weird obsession with Pokémon for two years. Thank God that died out.
What superhero would you be?
Spider-Man. I recently saw the musical in New York. Flying across buildings, it just seems kind of fun.
Who’s your greatest influence?
It’d probably be my parents. They’ve always been there for me. Them pushing me further has really been influential on my future.
What’s your greatest fear?
The future. I’m always wondering where my next step in life is. Sometimes I just really want a guarantee, and you can’t guarantee the future.
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.
Ellen DeGeneres, Nicki Minaj and Zac Efron.
What would you serve?
I don’t cook. I’d probably burn my house down. We’d probably go out to a restaurant. I’m an all-American cuisine type of guy, so they’d just have to deal with that.
How would you describe your dream guy?
Someone who’s intellectual, and has a natural confidence about them.
Define good in bed.
I think with any physical exchange it’s going to be the greatest when there’s an emotional connection there, when you can feel the love between two people.
Who should star in a movie about your life?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, more so for my younger years. I think he’d be able to portray it from an acting standpoint.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Ricky Martin. I used to sing ”La Vida Loca” in my room in the mirror.
Who gets on your nerves?
Prideful people. People who mask their emotions just for the sake of appearing strong.
If your home was burning, what’s the first thing you’d grab while leaving?
My iPhone, my iPad and my laptop.
What’s your biggest turn-on?
Intellect.
What’s your biggest turn-off?
Cockiness, people who think they’re hot. People’s personalities can make the most attractive guys unattractive.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet tried?
I’d like to see Europe.
What’s something you’ve tried that you never want to do again?
No-shave November. I tried it in college, and I looked disgusting. I could only do it for two weeks.
Boxers, briefs or other?
Sports trunks.
Who’s your favorite musical artist?
My favorite right now is Nicki Minaj. But two of the most talented people in the industry are John Legend and Alicia Keys.
What’s your favorite website?
Probably a tie between Facebook and Twitter.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?
My name could appear in different areas of the roster.
What’s your favorite retail store?
Express is first, American Apparel second.
What’s the most you’ll spend on a haircut?
A haircut usually costs me $26 with tip. I went to a fancy salon and got an $80 haircut, and it looked exactly the same, so I’ll stick with my $26 haircut.
What about on shoes?
$120.
What’s your favorite food to splurge with?
Tavern fries at Applebee’s. They’re not on the menu. They’re covered in cheese and bacon, and come with sour cream or ranch dressing. It’s a heart attack on a plate.
What’s your favorite season?
Spring. It’s not too hot and not too cold. It also gets you out of that funk you were in during winter.
What kind of animal would you be?
A visually appealing bird. I like the idea of being able to fly and get away whenever you want to.
What kind of plant would you be?
A tree. It stands tall, it can be around for many years. You can always sense its presence.
What kind of car would you be?
A Maserati.
What are you most grateful for?
I’m most grateful for the experiences I’ve had and where they’ve led me.
What’s something you want more of?
I want more confidence in the future. I know what I’m capable of, but sometimes I psyche myself out.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.
Experience is yesterday. Prompt actions today for a better tomorrow.
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