Today we are catching up with Ashleigh Post of Western Australia, one of the 27 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022.
So Ashleigh, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 19 years old and currently studying Commerce majoring in Marketing and Enterprise and Innovation at the University of Western Australia.
Growing up, I always intended to be a nurse or midwife as I gain great satisfaction from helping others; however, during my school years, I soon realised that science was not my forte, so I opted for business. I have more of a creative nature, so this degree lets me flourish in an environment where I can give back to the community in a different way.
In my spare time, you would find me doing pilates, making acai bowls, journaling, hanging out with friends and family, or eating Italian food as it is my ultimate favourite cuisine.
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
My key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia was to grow as a person. This involves not worrying about people’s opinions of me, challenging myself and spreading my light. By putting myself out there on the runway, in the interviews and getting creative on social media, my Miss Universe Australia journey has let me build the courage to do things that I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing and leave people a little happier than what they were when I arrived.
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?
My experience on the Gold Coast with the Village Roadshow team was unforgettable. From the very accommodating staff at SeaWorld Resort to our adventures at Movie World, Wet ’n’ Wild, Out Back Spectacular and Top Golf,
I am extremely grateful and couldn’t have asked for a more amazing and memorable trip!
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
It’s hard to comprehend how lucky we were to even go on this trip, but something that stuck out to me was getting to snorkel with the sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures at SeaWorld. To say I have a fear of the ocean is an understatement, but I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other contestants?
The Miss Universe Australia competition is filled with an abundance of amazing women who are not only beautiful but intelligent, driven and kind.
However, something that sets me apart from the other contestants is my open mind and warm personality! I am not only always willing to step out of my comfort zone to give things a hot crack, but I am also open to others’ opinions. Listening not just to reply but to understand makes them feel seen and appreciated.
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?
To me, the most important qualities that Miss Universe Australia portrays are her charismatic charm, conscientiousness, intelligence, agreeableness and beauty that the people of Australia can fall in love with.
Now travel is back on the cards; where is your favourite place to travel to?
My favourite place to travel to is definitely the south of Western Australia; growing up, my extended family and I would take trips to Margaret River.
My best memories come from days basking in the sun at the beach, visiting wineries and most importantly, enjoying some family time. If you ever head to WA, I would highly recommend taking a trip down south.
What is something people may find interesting about you?
Something interesting about me is that I’m allergic to strawberries. I found this out the hard way when I was 12; very tragic for someone whose favourite fruit was strawberries.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
Something that is close to my heart is destigmatising mental health.
The reality is that everyone has their mental health in the same way that they have their physical health. In any given year, you could be feeling good, but equally, there could be days or weeks of having anxiety or sadness, and that’s both okay and normal.
If you think of it as having a cold- you have to rest, take care of yourself, and in a week or two, you will feel better.
However, when these feelings become prolonged and affect your relationships and enjoyment of life, then it can become a more significant issue and can quickly spiral into depression.
In our society, men are generally quite stoic. They often hide their feelings and tend not to speak up about their mental health. Lifeline Australia estimates that 8.6 Australians die every year from suicide, and out of this, 75% are male.
Unfortunately, I have experienced a close family friend who took their own life with little to no warning. I know that these tragic events have a ripple effect on family, friends and work colleagues.
If there is anything I can do, it’s to try and break the stigma or perception of appearing ‘weak’ and reassure young guys that it is okay to reach out for help.
In my opinion, I think it’s courageous to speak up, to admit that things aren’t quite right and to know that it is okay not to be okay.