Metro Weekly

Samuel

This 20-year-old Damascus native studies cosmetology and appreciates Bob Dylan, his family, confidence and humor

When Samuel, who’s called Damascus, Md., home all his life, came out in high school, it went so well, he even won a title. ”I got to be Mr. Damascus,” he says. “It was maybe a week or two after I came out.” His school’s homage to the Miss America Pageant – right down to the swimsuit competition – had the hometown boy busing out onstage to ”It’s Raining Men” and winning his school’s votes. No wonder the 20-year-old stuck around. He currently studies cosmetology in the District at Aveda Institute and works at a salon in Bethesda. One day, he figures he’ll succumb to the pull of New York or L.A., where he hopes to work for a fashion magazine.

What’s on your nightstand?
A candle, an alarm clock and a picture of my family.

What’s in your nightstand drawer?
It’s more of a shelf. There’s a Bible and a picture of my mom.

Where do you keep condoms and lube?
In a safe place.

What are your television favorites?
Modern Family and Justified.

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
Arthur the aardvark.

What superhero would you be?
The Flash. I have a need for speed.

Who’s your greatest influence?
My family. I had a good upbringing. I like to think I have morals and I stand by them.

What’s your greatest fear?
Clowns.

Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.
Marilyn Monroe, Adolf Hitler and Abraham Lincoln.

Hitler?
There would be so many questions. Why? What were you thinking?

What would you serve?
I’d probably order pizza.

How would you describe your dream guy?
A sense of humor is huge to me. If you can make me smile, I’d be happy with that. And you’ve got to be in shape.

Define good in bed.
If you can make me sweat.

Who should star in a movie about your life?
Charlie Sheen.

Who was your first celebrity crush?
Cam Gigandet from Burlesque.

If your home was burning, what’s the first thing you’d grab while leaving?
I hate to be sentimental, but probably a picture of my mom and me.

What’s your biggest turn-on?
Confidence.

What’s your biggest turn-off?
Dishonesty.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet tried?
Bungee jumping.

What’s something you’ve tried that you never want to do again?
White-water rafting.

Boxers, briefs or other?
Boxers.

Who’s your favorite musical artist?
Bob Dylan.

What’s your favorite website?
Tumblr.

Are you a photographer?
I like to pretend.

What’s the most unusual place you’ve had sex?
I guess I’m not exciting. I can’t think of any unusual places. I’m more traditional.

What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?
It’s going to depend on the team I’m playing against.

Or playing with?
Exactly.

What’s your favorite retail store?
Target.

What’s the most you’ll spend on a haircut?
Since I’m in school for that, no money at all.

What about on shoes?I would throw down for some shoes. $500.

What’s your favorite food to splurge with?
Ice Cream. Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter.

What’s your favorite season?
Fall. It’s a good combination of beautiful weather and the fashion you can wear in that weather.

What kind of animal would you be?
A lion, because they sleep about 18 hours a day.

What kind of plant would you be?
I’m thinking an oak tree for its strength and height.

What kind of car would you be?
A black Range Rover.

What are you most grateful for?
My family.

What’s something you want more of?
Time.

State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.
Keep coming back.

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