Today we are catching up with Emily Rogers of South Australia, one of the 24 talented and inspiring women from all walks of life who are hoping to be crowned Miss Universe Australia 2023 at The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins this Friday.
So, Emily why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 20 years old, and I am a student currently undertaking a health science degree specialising in neuroscience and physiology. I have a passion for photography and writing, and hope to amalgamate my love of writing and my passion for science to create a novel detailing the science behind positive affirmations and the effect it has on the brain and wellbeing.
We all have motivations, mine usually around good coffee, but what was your key motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
When presented with the opportunity to take part in the Miss Universe Australia program, I wanted to utilise the experience to continue my journey of personal growth by stepping out of my comfort zone. The program has enabled me to bridge the gap between the girl I was, and the woman I am becoming; to continue nurturing my relationships with like-minded women, and develop my understanding of the world that surrounds me.
As part of the program, you recently went on the National Finalist Trip to Vietnam at Furama Resort Da Nang, what was the experience like?
Our National Finalist Trip to Da Nang Vietnam was actually my first time travelling overseas, and I’m so grateful to have had this trip of a lifetime as my first experience travelling outside of Australia. Being able to connect with such powerful and inspiring people in the most beautiful landscape is something that will always stay with me. Furama Resort was incredibly hospitable and such a serene place to spend our week. From water sports to capturing our official swim shoots across the resort, our National Finalist Trip was everything I could have hoped for and more.
What would you say was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight of my trip was meeting and connecting with the other national finalists and being able to share such surreal experiences with them by my side. With both the Australian National Finalists and the Singaporean National Finalists being afforded the opportunity to cultivate deep personal growth and development on this tri. It was a pleasure to be able to make friends with women from all walks of life who inspired me to embrace my own unique qualities. This trip affirmed the beauty of womanhood; to be surrounded by individuals that hope for you to grow and prosper, and encourage you to show up as your most authentic self.
With everyone bringing their own unique and individual flair to the program, what is something that sets you apart from the other finalists?
The great thing about the Miss Universe Australia program is that each and every girl is so vastly different; embodying femininity, strength, and intelligence. A quality that I believe sets me apart from other finalists is the perspective I have to offer; the experiences I have had in life, both negative and positive, have shaped me into someone who is introspective and observant which has enabled me to be pragmatic in the way I approach situations. My perspective enables me to offer a greater level of understanding toward others and find enrichment within my own personal experiences.
If you could ask our current Miss Universe Australia, Monique Riley, one question, what would it be and why?
If I could ask Monique one question, I would ask her what makes her life feel the most purposeful. It would be interesting to better understand what holds significance to her and how she aligns herself and her goals to coincide with her values. This too would offer me an opportunity to indulge in introspection and better understand my purpose.
Tell us something you’re passionate about and why?
I am extremely passionate about using my voice and personal anecdotes to inspire a strong sense of self within young Australians, to encourage individuality and ambition, and to demonstrate that our youth are not defined by the downfalls they have experienced in life. I want to help all young women be proud of the space they hold in a room, to not shrink themselves for others, and to cultivate inspiring and impactful conversations that change the narrative of self for generations to come.
To finish up the interview we have a few quick questions
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could live anywhere in the world, I would love to live in Italy. It would be incredible to have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture and experience the cuisine.
What’s your ideal way to spend a day off?
An ideal way to spend a day off would involve an iced matcha, my dog Loki, and the perfect Spotify rotation.
What makes you laugh out loud?
The “try not to laugh” era of YouTube always has me giggling away, whether it be the nostalgia or the comedic timing, nothing beats those videos.
