CHOOSE health through physical activity - that's what 23-year-old John Jeffery Davis will advocate as his main message to the public during the upcoming 2012 Vodafone Hibiscus Festival in Suva as Mr FSM.
The fifth-year medical student took time out of his busy schedule to chat about life and his move towards a more public image.
"I remember seeing Mr FSM win the first Hibiscus Kings title when I was in Form Seven. I told myself then that I'd be up there one day representing FSM," he said.
"Joining the Hibiscus Festival is more about personal development for me.
"I hope to build my confidence level especially in public speaking and interaction skills."
Raised in Pacific Harbour, John says becoming a doctor was a 'dream' he had growing up. His commitment during the week-long festival to spread awareness on the need to combat non-communicable diseases complements his aspiring profession in the medical field.
An only child, John's mother has links to Matuku in Lau while his dad is Japanese. He spent most of his teen years in Suva attending Jai Narayan College until Form Seven. He then applied for a Public Service Commission scholarship to study medicine at FSM.
"The scholarship covers my MBBS degree which is a six-year course. I've lived on campus since first year but in between study breaks, I visit my aunt in Suva or my grandmother in Pacific Harbour," he said.
"I have this fear of public speaking but because I've always wanted to be part of the Hibiscus Festival, I didn't think twice about joining when the opportunity came up.
"Students were asked if they wanted to join so I signed up, went for auditions and the rest is history. I was pretty psyched when it all happened but so far the experience has been great.
"Usually when I'm put on the spot, I get really nervous and intense so that's what I hope to overcome during my whole experience.
"I've met the other contestants and we've gotten to know each other so it really doesn't feel like a contest at all."
Juggling studies and newfound commitments to the festival, John says it's all about prioritising and managing one's time wisely. Although his mother was not keen on the idea at first, John says support from friends, family and colleagues has been overwhelming and positive.
"I get people coming up to me to wish me all the best and I'd like to thank my sponsors, friends, family members and basically all those strangers for their support," he said.
"My mom disagreed with my joining the festival. She wanted me to focus on my studies but self-motivation pushed me towards this phase of development.
"Every morning I'd wake up and push myself to get to school, to show up at the hospital or attend another event for the Hibiscus Festival. My secret to juggling all this is constantly telling myself 'I can do it' - it's really self-motivation that allows me all this."
With so much going on in his life, John indulges in a bit of cycling, swimming and kayaking to help take a load off.
"You're not going to be young forever so why not be healthy at this age - go for a run, hit the gym with the family or engage in some form of physical activity," he says.
"If I could, I think I'd want to do bungee jumping or sky-diving. I guess the adrenalin rush is what interests me the most."
Put all the upfront personality aside and you'll find that John is just your average Joe who sometimes walks and talks in his sleep. But it doesn't bother him because like many others, John has an appreciation for life and all its surprises.