CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- “I think it was Peter Parker’s uncle who said, ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’” said Dr. Alyssa Cole Mixon, who is representing Charlottesville at Miss Virginia USA 2024.

That motto has gotten Mixon through lots of obstacles throughout her life.

“I really hope that people realize that they can do and be anything that they want if you set your mind to it or set a goal,” said Mixon.

Mixon is a cancer rehabilitation doctor here in Charlottesville, and was recently crowned Miss Charlottesville USA.

Recently, the age restriction for contestants was altered, allowing more women to compete for the coveted title, just like Alyssa has always dreamed of.

“By encouraging people and women of all ages to participate, we can all learn from each other and empower others to, for example, go into STEM disciplines at any age,” said Mixon.

Along with all of her busy schedule of preparing for this pageant, Mixon began creating an audience on social media, after seeing first hand how medical misinformation can impact people immensely.

She wrote a children’s book called “An Apple a Day” to connect with younger generations and unravel some medical myths seen on social media.

“With the changes and advancements in technology, we need to be prepared and prepare future generations for how to be safe online and how to be responsible,” said Mixon.

Overall, Mixon wants her journey of stretching outside of one's comfort zone to reach a new audience of people.

“I just really hope that I inspire others to go out and achieve their dreams, whether it's becoming a physician, whether it's competing for pageants, or maybe it's something else, but I want to be a role model for others, especially in the state of Virginia,” said Mixon. 

Mixon will be competing for the title of Miss Virginia USA in June, and hopes to write more books for children interested in the medical field.