Today we are catching up with Annalise Dalins of Victoria, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
So Annalise, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 21 years old and currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce. I just finished up my part-time modelling job to start my first full-time job at a leading PR agency in Melbourne. I was born here in Aus, although my first language is Latvian due to my heritage!
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
When the Miss Universe opportunity arrived, I was eager to push myself out of my comfort zone. I couldn’t have pictured a better opportunity to participate in after last year experiencing a few family troubles. To connect with girls all over Australia to strive to make a positive impact within Australia felt really important to me.
As part of the program, you recently spent time in our hometown of the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team; what was the experience like?
The experience was amazing. Village Road Show provided us with so many fun activities and opportunities to bond as a collective in the program! Living with 27 girls you have never met before for a week, even bunking up with someone, can be quite intimidating. Therefore you couldn’t have dreamed of a better location than the fun theme parks and comfortable accommodation.
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
At SeaWorld, we had the opportunity to snorkel, which I had never previously tried; it was so surreal having such large stingrays, sharks, and fish come up to you! The girls who became my good friends overnight made the experience even more enjoyable with lots of laughs and memorable moments. The MUA team put in so much time and effort to make sure everything ran smoothly, and I am so grateful to them, as there are so many great experiences I could never have myself been able to fund.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
Having my family move overseas at the age of 18, I had to grow up, face reality and mature as an adult a lot earlier than most, especially at such an uncertain time when the pandemic hit. This resulted in me feeling quite isolated, which really challenged my character. Coming out on the other side now, I have developed skills to get me through adverse times in my life, which I am determined to share with others.
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Daria Varlamova; in your opinion, what are the most essential qualities that a Miss Universe Australia embodies?
Qualities that are important for Miss Universe Australia, in my opinion, consist of: relatability, awareness, and being genuine and authentic to one’s self.
Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?
Due to studying Spanish in year 12, I would love to reconnect with the language and explore the culture there. Some sun and warm weather would also be greatly appreciated, haha!
What is something people may find interesting about you?
I am third generation Latvian, it was my first language, and I can still speak the language fluently!
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I am very passionate about brain health, specifically chronic stress. I think after covid, a lot of Australians are suffering from many different anxiety or stress-related emotions. Considering how prevalent such a subject is in society, I think it is really worth promoting natural, non-costly, positive habits and routines for all Australians to implement.
