Well, it’s that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with state finals kicking off across the country.
Starting off our home state interviews is Amanda Jacobson one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held later this year in Melbourne at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Wednesday, August 31st, 2016 where the nations finalists will be competing for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2016.

Congratulations on making it so far in the coveted Miss Universe Australia competition tell us a little about yourself..?
Thank you, it still feels so surreal! I am eighteen years old from North Brisbane. I’m studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Media and Communications. I hope to start my PR firm one day, specialising in fashion. I feel like the Australian fashion industry is so underrated, and I’d love to contribute to taking it to the next level.

Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
My mum has always been my driving force, my inspiration and my rock. She has always taught me to be strong and to shoot for the stars. Miss Universe Australia is something that has always struck a chord with me. So this year I thought to myself, why not? If other girls can do it, what is stopping me? So here I am…

Speaking of inspiration what inspires you most?
I think strong, hard working women inspire me to be the best I can be. And not just celebrities either…. just everyday women who are succeeding in male-dominated fields and killing it! I don’t think you need to be in the public eye to make a different; there are unrecognised super stars everywhere; you just need to take notice of them.

What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
Since I’m only 18, I’m using this as a major learning experience. My goal for this year was to focus on growing as a person so that I can be the best version of myself as possible. I had a lot of self-confidence issues growing up, which is something many teenage girls go through. I feel like there is this stigma that you can’t love yourself because it’s vain. Also, that you can’t enjoy yourself and be down to earth, at the same time. But I believe you can be both, and I would love to be a positive influence on young girls, to show them that if you’re beautiful on the inside, it will shine through you and once you learn that, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with charity are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to use the platform of Miss Universe to advance?
I have always been interested in protecting the environment. I recently went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and this heightened my passion for looking after our planet and bringing attention to global warming. I think we often forget about what is underneath the water, and for those who have never been scuba diving or snorkelling, the sea is one of the most magical places on earth, and we need to be protecting our fishy friend’s homes rather than destroying them. We live in such a beautiful country, but we need to look after it to keep it that way.

The rivalry between states is sure to be heightened this year why do you think Queensland is the best state to take out Miss Universe Australia?
Because nothing beats Queensland! We are the sunshine state where it’s summer nine months a year, so we’re lovely and tan, But in all seriousness, I think Queenslanders are tough and resilient, which I believe is the recipe for winning Miss Universe Australia.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

What is something you find yourself always saying …?
I say ‘like’ a lot; it is really bad… my friends now stop me when I’m talking so I realise I’ve said it again haha! Just another personal growth thing!

How would your closest friend describe you?
My friends often say I’m quite a positive person and that I’m determined. They think I’m crazy for eating clean, yet they support me so much, I’m so blessed.

What are your top three values that you live by?
To smile more, worry less and never give up. I think it’s important to smile and laugh and enjoy the little things in life as much as possible. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, which ties into my second value. Life is always throwing obstacles at us and worrying about them often leads to us making it a bigger problem than it is. And lastly, shoot for the stars and be resilient. Life is what you make of it, so go out and get stuff done!

Something that makes you stand out from other contestants?
This is such a tricky question because all the girls are incredible. It isn’t a matter of who is prettier or more well-rounded or who has the best personality because they are all so amazing. But I would like to think that my positive outlook on life and my hard working nature is what defines me. I would much rather lose knowing that I did so with dignity than to win, knowing that I made many enemies. I am in it to win it, but staying true to myself will always come first.

What does your current fitness regime look like in the lead up to the state finals ..? I am currently working out five times a week at Think 24 Hour Fitness, which has been so much fun. I do a mixture of boxing, cardio, weight training and yoga with Liz Bos, who is my amazing gym buddy and fellow contestant. I’ve been trying to mix things up because I think exercising should be equally enjoyable as it is sweaty! Lately, Liz and I have been climbing mountains for exercise which has been so much fun.

Name five things you can’t live without?
I definitely couldn’t live without my fluffy gal pal (aka my dog), she is my everything! Also my family, my phone (more specifically social media apps), peanut butter and anything coconut. I’m half Thai so coconut is essential in my life. Coconut oil, coconut water, coconut yoghurt, coconut milk, you name it; I love it!
What song would you say is your personal anthem or theme song and why…?
I love Hey Ya! by OutKast, it is such a feel good song. I dance around my living room with my mum and my dog to it haha!