A Daily Dose of Perspective With Globetrotter Steve Kearns

Happy Monday everyone!

Last week's Daily Dose of Perspective featured my good friend Hal Hargrave Jr and all the good he is doing to help spinal cord injury victims + his amazing mindset. I think if we all took just a tiny piece of his perspective what a different outlook on life we might have.

This week's feature is going to be one of my good friends from USC, Steve Kearns. The reason I decided to feature Steve is because he is one of the most fascinating individuals I have met during my time at USC. He is incredibly wise beyond his years and he has the most spontaneous attitude that is so refreshing to be around.

We first met in one of our public relations classes - he sat behind me. I just remember watching this guy walk into class with a beautiful trenchcoat and a Burberry scarf and thinking WOAH it's 10am and this guy looks sharp (meanwhile I am in yoga pants with my hair in a sloppy bun, help!) Although Steve's style was something straight out of Vogue, that wasn't the part about him that impressed me the most. When it came to class time - he was always so informed. You know you have those kids that go to class and don't listen or take notes and they are always on their phone? That's not Steve. He is easily the smartest kid in the room and everyone knows it. He always presents himself with class and poise.

But it wasn't until we had a class project together that I was really floored by him. I already mentioned that Steve was brilliant but we starting getting to know each other a little better outside the classroom and he would tell me his interests and such. One of those interests was traveling. In my mind I was thinking, well yeah everyone likes to travel but with crazy college schedules it always gets put on the back burner. Until we started following each other on Instagram, I was blown away by how amazing his photos were. He had been everywhere! Spain, France, Ireland, Greece and the list goes on....He was global and I was green with jeaously.

I thought it would be an awesome idea to feature Steve because so many young college kids have dreams of traveling but have no idea where to start. I was one of those kids until I met Steve. His perspective on pursuing things outside of your comfort zone was extremely eye-opening for me in a lot of ways.

Lets let you hear it from him.....

Give me a little background about yourself.

My name is Steve Kearns. I’m a 21-year-old travel enthusiast and USC student who grew up between Morris County, New Jersey and Beverly Hills, California. I love luxury experiences, adventure, photography and planes and can’t wait until my next vacation.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Vibrant. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a thirst for life and adventure that is sometimes tiring to watch. In essence, I try to eschew boring whenever possible – life is full of beautiful, unexpected surprises, and I’d be crazy not to approach each of them with excitement.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?

Ireland. Hands down. For such a cold and rainy country, the Irish people are as warm as can be. As expected, the food is superb and the scenery stunning - what a truly breathtaking landscape. On my last trip to the Emerald Isle, I toured Dublin and spent some time on the nation’s West Coast taking in the sights of cliffs, bluffs and quaint seaside towns. A must-see in my opinion.

How many countries have you been to?

In 21 years, I’ve been to 20 countries and 36 U.S. States. How did I calculate this? Well, I found this neat iPhone app called Been (p.s. it’s free!) that allows you to select all of the countries that you’ve been to, and will even show you the ground you’ve covered on a map! Apparently, after all of my travels, I’ve still only seen 7% of the world. Gives you a sense of perspective on how small we are, doesn’t it?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Given my affinity for warm, sunny climates, Dubai offers the curious traveler like me an oasis of glitzy architecture, world-class cuisine and fascinating company. People come from all around the world to live and work here, and the perspectives they bring to this utopian city make it one of the most unique and creative locales I’ve ever been to. Dubai is where Las Vegas, London, Hong Kong and Los Angeles collide, forming a city of adventurers that is quickly becoming the cultural hub of the eastern hemisphere.

Why you enjoy traveling so much?

As Americans, it’s so easy for us to stay at home and to embrace only our immediate surroundings. Big countries will do that to you. By traveling, I get to meet people from all over, and have learned so much about other ways of life, customs and existences. Thanks to my jaunts across the globe, I know how to make the perfect glass of Sangría (cheers, Madrid) and can exchange pleasantries in a multitude of languages. Traveling opens your eyes to so many things, and makes you that much more equipped to thrive in our global society. It also gives you some pretty hilarious stories! Be sure to ask me about the time I purchased standing-room only tickets on a Greek ferry and almost wound up in an Athens jail...

Any tips for new travelers?

Don’t plan every moment of your vacation. Leave time to walk around, snap pictures and take in the sights, sounds and scents of your host city. Meet the locals and let spontaneity be your tour guide. You’ll be amazed at what you can discover on the road less traveled!

What are some places on your bucket list and why?

Southeast Asia and South America. I have always dreamed of hiking Machu Picchu, sipping espresso in the “Paris of South America” (Buenos Aires) or exploring the Thai coastline. The cosmopolitan vibe of Hong Kong and the storied history of Beijing also have me ready to hop on a transpacific flight at a moments notice.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

My mom always says, “everyone has a cross to bear,” meaning that, at any given moment, each individual is fighting a battle against something we may know nothing about. Maybe that something is a physical or mental illness, perhaps it’s a broken heart or maybe it’s the fear of being who they really are. Whatever the challenge, I’ve learned that people may not always be what they seem, and that we mustn’t rush to judge or criticize those for their shortcomings. You will never truly know someone else’s hardships until you walk a day in their shoes - even your most put together or privileged friends are confronting their own demons every day. Keep that in mind next time you’re feeling jealous or inadequate.

What do you think is the most important personality trait in a person?

Loyalty and passion.

I’m Sicilian by descent (ever seen the Godfather?), so these values run through my veins like a good pomodoro sauce flows over homemade fettuccini. Love with all of your heart, work with everything you’ve got and be true to those who are true to you. People will respect you for it.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

For me, handling stress comes down to perspective. Try this exercise: write down your five biggest stressors on a piece of paper and place them in a drawer. Now revisit that same list in six to twelve months’ time. Chances are that most, if not all, of your previous worries will be but distant, laughable memories. The takeaway from this activity? Life goes on. Whether or not you make a deadline, or whether or not you land that dream job after college, you will (hopefully) wake up tomorrow ready to start a new day. You learn something from failure, from your mistakes, and you grow stronger each day after you’ve conquered the challenges that face you. Life’s too exciting to spend time worried or stressed out, so take a deep breath, and charge on like a trooper through even the most difficult of situations. Keep fighting. It gets better.

What motivates you?

The idea that I can do anything I put my mind to (except math of course - I can barely add). At 21, my life is laid out in front of me like an empty scrapbook waiting to be filled. The possibilities of what I will accomplish before I kick the bucket are endless. It’s absolutely terrifying and deliciously exhilarating.

How do you evaluate success?

I try to take life as it comes, day by day. It’s how I keep from getting too overwhelmed. If I can make one person’s day easier, more enjoyable or more inspiring, then I have succeeded. If I live each day for myself and if I care for others who have not had the many opportunities that I have been afforded, then I have succeeded again. If I can leave this earth one day having left a positive mark, no matter how small, on someone or something, that will be my ultimate success.

What are some of your pet peeves?

College students have a tendency to flake – on dinner plans, relationships, even group assignments. Don’t do this. The most successful people in this world know what they want and keep their promises to others. Life is about choices. Commit. Be accountable. You make time for the people and things that are important to you.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Simply put, I see myself in a committed relationship with somebody who loves me exactly as I am. I see myself in a career where I’m respected for the work that I contribute, and I hope to be able to pay my bills (and then some).

Final thoughts, if you are reading this blog, you have an Internet connection. You are already more fortunate than many people on this Earth. Don’t forget that, and use it to your advantage!

He's a pretty incredible human being right? The funniest part of interviewing Steve was hearing his life perspectives just a little bit deeper that I already knew about him. In college you get the opportunity to meet some pretty incredible people - that is if you put yourself out there and take the time/energy to get to know them. Remember to always surround yourself with people that make you want to be better and people that bring you up in life. Those are the people that will help you reach your goals and bring you to the next level in life. Steve is all of those things.

Thanks for showing us the world and giving us all something to work for and look forward to in the future Steve.

So much love for you!