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 Madeleine Epstein, from QLD who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Education as well as working full time as a kindergarten teacher. I am very passionate about my job and think myself to be lucky to have the opportunity to help shape children to become the person they are going to be. Travelling is something that I will always love. I have visited many countries, visiting most of them more than once. I have recently taken it upon myself to be an advocate of anti-bullying and violence in schools and workplaces. This is something that I believe we are struggling to control as a nation and this issue needs to continue to be discussed in order to prevent bullying and violence from occurring. Education of the public as to the effects of bullying is the key to changing societies’ attitude.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali …. How was the experience?
The Alila hotels we stayed at in Bali were incredible. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to travel around Bali with such amazing people and have the privilege of staying at three of Alila Resorts incredible hotels located in Ubud, Seminyak and Uluwatu. Uluwatu was definitely my favourite place; nothing can beat the view of an endless ocean.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
Something I was looking forward to on the trip was having the chance to meet the children from the Sari Hati school in Ubud. Unfortunately, I was quite sick that day and had to miss out. I was extremely disappointed. I know if I had been able to be present that day it definitely would have been a highlight. However, I was not so my personal highlight of the trip was the powerful impressions workshop. The workshop distinguished our personality types as well as helped us to understand how people with different personalities to ourselves function. I found the workshop to be really interesting and insightful, giving me reassurance on my personality type as well as ways to connect with others in a more meaningful way to suit their personality.
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 am extremely excited to be heading to Melbourne and being able to see all the girls again. I am already missing my Miss Universe family! In the lead up to Melbourne, I am trying to keep my routine as normal as possible. I’m not a fan of diets, so I am making sure I am eating regularly and just ensuring that I am making good choices when it comes to food (except of the one or two sneaky chocolates or ice cream every now or then). I do already exercise quite regularly for my mental and physical health, and I am still working Monday to Friday, which does not give me much room to change much of my routine anyway. However, I do have to study quite a bit as I have my exam week a few days before we jet off!
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?
I honestly find this question very hard to answer, there are so many incredible girls who are a part of the competition this year, I believe the judges will have a very hard time only choosing one winner. The reason I have entered Miss Universe Australia is to make a difference in regard to bullying and violence, and be a role model to young children; I believe I have strong values of which I am extremely passionate and proud. That’s what defines 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 am motivated daily by random acts of kindness. It reminds me that everyone is capable of good and everyone and anyone is able to change a bad situation into a good one. Kindness is the most significant currency you can possess in this world. My passion is education; I want to spend my life being educated as well as teaching others. You can never have too much knowledge.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
My family heritage is Jewish. My paternal grandparents and my grandfather escaped Nazi Germany before the war broke out. But for the fact that they managed to escape I may not be here today.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
My favourite place to wind down and relax is my room. I like to close my blinds turn my fairy lights on and sit down to a good movie, book or word puzzle.
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 Miss Universe program has provided me with the courage to stand up for what I believe in as well as have the courage to do something. I am currently working on a mini video on the effects bullying has had on people throughout their life which I would not have had the courage to do if not for the support of this competition. I believe I have grown a lot as a person the past couple of months, learning a lot about myself on the way.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I was at the gym wearing new tights; I should mention I had worn these all around Bali. I was doing bear crawls about 3/4 of the way through the class (for those that don’t know what that is it is where you literally crawl on your hands and feet from one point to another with your butt up in the air) when my trainer, asked me if my tights were new. I replied with a yes to which he responded that it was not a good idea to wear them with my bright pink underwear. My tights were completely see through. Safe to say I check my tights in the mirror before I head to the gym now.
Name five things you can’t live without?
My family and friends because they are always there for me to provide me with love and support. My pillow, I’m pretty picky about pillow sizes! The ocean, I am always happiest when I am near the ocean. Italian food, it is my ultimate weakness! Laughter, because it is the best medicine.
How would your closest friend describe you?
If my closest friends were to describe me, they would say that I am very passionate about my job and all things that I take on in life. I am a positive, determined, enthusiastic person who always likes to take the glass half full approach to life. And finally that I always love to have a good time!
What is something I have learnt from the competition that you want to pass on to others?
Something I have learnt from being a part of this competition is to appreciate your own strengths and to always stay true to yourself. It is also important to appreciate the good things about others around you, however never compare yourself to them. Everyone has had a different past that has made them who they are today, including yourself. Everyone is uniquely different, and if you try to look like or act like someone else, then you will start to lose yourself and what makes you unique.
Maddy is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here
