Miss Universe Aus QLD Finalist interview - Kieran Keating

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.
Later this month at the Hotel Grand Chancellor , Surfers Paradise the judging panel will select the Queensland representatives in the 2015 Pageant.

Starting off our state finalist interviews we chat with Kieran Keating one of the contestants who will be competing for a place in the national final held on June 5 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins where the countries finalists will be competing for the 2015 title.

Congratulations on Making it so far in the coveted miss universe Australia competition tell us a little about yourself …?
Hi, I’m Kieran Keating. I am a passionate law student studying my double degree of bachelor of Law/bachelor of Arts at Griffith University. Originally from the country town of Geelong in Victoria I ventured to the tropical coastal city of the Gold Coast when I was 19 to fulfill my educational ambitions. With my interest in law I was fortunate enough to attain a job as law clerk at McInnes Wilson Lawyers. I also volunteer at Robina Community Legal Centre and am a committee member of the Griffith Law School Association. I strongly believe in the value of work-integrated-learning, which is why I choose to work, volunteer and study in this area.

Who or what inspired you to get involved in the Miss Universe Australia Pageant …? What drew you to such a competition ….? Being an adventurous opportunistic individual I am always seeking new challenges. In 2015 I sought to adapt a positive mantra, that being ‘see all of life’s adventures as an opportunity and great lessons’ so when I am presented with a positive opportunity, I make an effort to say yes. I strongly believe that everything you want is one step outside your comfort zone.
However in saying this, Miss Universe has always been a passion of mine. After entering when I was 18 years of age I sought empowerment when I first didn’t succeed. Following in the footsteps of those past Miss Universe winners which have proved themselves in the face of defeat. I admire Tegan Martin who was a runner-up twice before she was crowned. I decided that this year I was ready to try again as a stronger person with greater life experience.

Speaking of inspiration who inspires you most …?

My father, David Keating.

My dad is the most selfless person I know, he always puts his children before himself. Now that I am older that I believe this is one of the greatest qualities a human can possess.
Without the support, influence and encouragement from my Dad I would not be on the road to success that I am now. My dad still achieves his goals, but is very humble in his success and always supports our family, placing our needs before his own. My dad inspires me to be a better person in all aspects of my life.

If you are successful in the pageant you will become a possible inspiration or role model to many young girls how does this sit with you …? And what do you consider are the attributes of a good role model …?
I would love to be a potential role model to young girls. I believe that many things I stand for, such as believing in yourself and always trying your best, are aspects that can have a great influence on anyone’s life. I’ve faced many challenges in my life but I have always tried to adapt a positive attitude to these and used any negative experience as a learning curve and a way to improve and empower myself.
I believe a good role model should remain humble after even after the greatest successes. It’s important that a role model remains relatable and that if successful, a role model should have a desire to achieve positive change for the greater good. I am a strong believer in giving back to the community and helping wherever I can.

The Miss Universe Pageant has a long history of associating with charity are their any social causes that are particularly close to your heart that you would like to  use the platform of miss universe to advance …?
There are two main social causes I would like to get behind.
The first one is beyond blue, headspace and other mental health services. This is a cause that is important to me as I have had many close family and friends suffer from mental illness and I feel like it is a cause that needs more prominence in todays society. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
The second are any community legal centers. Having volunteered myself, I have seen just how many people are in desperate need of legal advice. I believe everyone deserves access to help and justice and support services like Community Legal Centers, whom run entirely on a volunteer basis create a positive outcome for many in need.

What do you think will set you out from the rest  of the entrants competing in the 2015 competition …? I would like to think a few things set me out. I’m a hard working law student. I therefore pride myself on my work/life ethic, which is something I work really hard on maintaining. I make an effort in my studies in particular, an attitude, which lead me to 2014 academic achievement and placed me in the top 5% of students at Griffith University. I try to exceed and be the best version I can be in all aspects of my life.
Additionally, although I might be relatively new to the modeling aspect of the competition, I’m a very positive person and by competing I believe I am demonstrating my willing attitude to not only give everything a go, but to give every opportunity 110% of myself.

What would you say is your best style or beauty secret …? I would say my style secret is confidence. I’m a big believe in wearing clothes that make you feel confident. Confidence is the key to style and is an asset that shines through whatever clothes you wear. I believe in always wearing clothes that make me feel confident and empowered.

And speaking of personal style fitness is fast becoming more and more a part of the person’s personal style … how would you describe your fitness regime …?
My fitness regime is an integrated part of my lifestyle. I strive for a great work/life balance and this includes making time for fitness. I use fitness as a way to socialize as well as a way to keep fit and healthy. I go to the gym with friends, or go on adventures, such as paddle boarding and trekking, which lets me see the beautiful Gold Coast nature with the added benefit of hanging out with friends.
I also find exercise a great stress reliever and often go for runs when I need to clear my head and de- stress.

We all have a personal saying or particular mantra what would you say yours is ..?
One of my favorites mantras is ‘shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars’ it encourages me to always give every opportunity I’m presented with a go. It reminds me to always be ambitious and follow my dreams.

Now the Quick 5

1. What is something people might find interesting about yourself …? As much as I love law now, and it plays such a big life in my part – I originally wanted to be a television journalist reporter. I moved to the Gold Coast originally to study journalism but realized law was where my passion was.

2. Your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax ..?  The beach. I have never lived more than 5 minutes away from the beach and it’s such a nice place to sit down and breathe in the fresh sea-air and just admire the beauty of the ocean. There’s nothing I love more than a beach walk

What song would you say is  your personal anthem or theme song …?  

Anything by Taylor Swift, she seems to have a song for every occasion. And you can’t pass ‘Shake it off’ to put you in a good mood.\

If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago what would it be …? 

To realise that everything really does happen for a reason and that everyone you meet is a lesson. That’s one really important thing I’ve learnt and I wish I had known at a younger age.

and What are five things in your life you just can’t live without …?

  1. My phone – I couldn’t live without my phone, as all my family live in Victoria, it’s crucial for me to be able to keep in contact with them
  1. My friends and family – a girl always needs her close friends and family for support and companionship.
  1. Music – from driving in the car to running along the beach, there is a song for every time of day.
  1. Dancing – although I’m by no means a good dancer, I love dancing and have so much fun when I dance.
  1. The beach – although I don’t get to the beach as often as I like nothing beats a walk along the beach or a swim in the ocean.

Owen George

Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city

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