The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 28.
We are chatting with Leah Bell, from WA who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
Hello! My name is Leah Bell. I am a qualified Enrolled Nurse, Artist, and a massive cat lover! I am currently back studying towards my goal of becoming a doctor. Art is something that I hold very dear to me, and I have been lucky enough to paint murals and showed my work. In my spare time, you would find me spinning on the ice rink, or dancing in the waves on my surfboard!
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
Wow! Where do I even start? The amazing views, food, company….it was a life-changing experience! Of course, Allia Hotels rolled out the red carpet for us and helped make memories that I will never forget.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
I especially loved meeting the children from Sari Hati, which is a special school for children with disabilities. It was great fun getting to know the other national finalists too, and they are a terrific group of girls.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
I’ve been so super busy with my final uni assignments and exam prep that I’ve hardly had time to think! But I am feeling excited for the final. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous, it’s such a talented group of girls this year. I’m still in awe to be included with them! But I’m ready to go out there and just have fun. In preparation I have been going to pilates, eating well, and keeping a positive mindset!
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
We are all so unique, and that is what puts everyone apart; that is our superpower! Seeing all the gorgeous girls together makes it obvious that we’re all so very different. Personally, I’m a very caring person, and am committed to being the best ‘me’ I can be. I think my career choices and aspirations reflect that. I believe Miss Universe Australia will need to be a caring, well-adjusted person, who has a fantastic work ethic. I think that could be me!
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
I love my music. I always have headphones on… And I love my art. It always makes me feel inspired! Together they make me happy, and a good attitude is very motivating. But my passion? I love medicine; the potential to make a difference in peoples lives would be incredible.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
Well, a weird a fun fact about me is that I do at least two sudoku puzzles a day! It gets my brain working!
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
If I can get to a surf beach with my board or the ice rink with my skates, All my worries disappear in those places!
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
The program has gifted me with opportunities to grow that I would never have had otherwise. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin now and have conquered some personal demons around anxiety and public speaking.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I was late for Uni and reversed out of the driveway in a hurry, totally forgetting the rubbish bins that were there. I ran into them, knocking all the rubbish onto the road! So I had to spend the next 10 minutes very embarrassingly picking up the rubbish while cars stopped to watch!
Name five things you can’t live without?
1) My cat 2) Sketchbook 3) Phone 4) Skateboard 5) Pizza!
How would your closest friend describe you?
Always smiling, laughing a lot. Caring. I end up being a nurse to all my friends!
What is your hidden talent that should remain hidden?
I love playing the ukulele and singing ridiculous songs with it that I make up on the spot!
Leah is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here
