Well, Autumn is in full swing, and It’s also that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with state finalists being announced across the country.
So we thought it would be a perfect time to kick off some home state interviews with Amanda Jacobson. Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Thank you very much! My name is Amanda, and I’m 19 years old from Brisbane. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in public relations and a Bachelor of Media and Communications at the Queensland University of Technology. I hope to one day open my own public relations firm, specialising in Australian fashion, because I believe that we are home to some of the best designers in the world! However, the fashion industry in Australia has a lot of room to flourish, and with a little push, I think we can give our designers the recognition they deserve on a global scale.
When I’m not studying, working or training, I like to spend my spare time playing music (violin and piano) and singing.
We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee but what was your key motivation for entering the MUA competition?
I’m not going to lie; I do love a long black with a dash of almond milk… But my motivation for entering MUA was triggered by a light bulb moment. After my first year of University, I was feeling really anxious and unsettled because I had a realisation that I had literally spent a year of my life simply going through the motions. Eat, Sleep, Work, Study, And Repeat. And although I believe education is so important, I believe that we should push ourselves out of our comfort zones and live a purposeful life.
After that realization, I went and got my scuba diving license and went diving with sharks in the Great Barrier Reef. That was the first time I really felt alive. When I arrived back home, I sent in my application because I wanted to do something I thought I wouldn’t be capable of, to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.
What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait until the Queensland State Finals! There is no better feeling, after months of training and hard work, to stand on that stage in one of Beggita’s beautiful gowns, feeling empowered and confidently beautiful.
We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
I think what makes me stand out from the other contestants is that I wasn’t born a confident person. A lot of people tell me they could never do a pageant like MUA because they are too shy or scared to do so. But the truth is, I used to be so shy! I would get anxiety from public speaking and I hated having to meet new people because I never knew what to say.
After throwing myself into the competition last year, I have become someone who socializes easily and I truly enjoy showing my extraverted side. I have grown even more since last year so I’m ready to be the confident woman I never thought I could be.
With the state finals, less than a fortnight away, has your routine changed at all?
No, I haven’t ramped up my training at the gym because I already train 6 days a week, and I definitely need a rest day! I believe that fitness is a lifestyle; so training isn’t something that I force myself to do just for the competition.
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I hope that I can inspire others, especially young women, to pursue and chase after their wildest dreams, no matter how out of reach their goals seem. I also hope to come out of MUA knowing I gave it my all whilst remaining loyal to my values and loving towards others.
We will wrap up with a few irrelevant and random questions, now that my coffee has worn off.
Name five things you can’t live without?
1. My family of course! (dog included)
2. Instagram
3. Coffee
4. Active Wear
5. Big Dreams
How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up?
Only 30 seconds to a minute. Unless I’m on the dogspotting page, I can scroll on that for ages…
How would your closest friend describe you?
My friends would describe me as loyal, driven, hard working, down to earth and easy to talk to. Oh, and intense dog lover!
When You Dance, You look like?
I feel like Beyoncé. I look like Napoleon Dynamite… or worse.
Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention… What do you think pets dream about?
I imagine a big field that they can run endlessly in, with food falling from the sky and their owners giving them infinite belly rubs and kisses.
So not long now until this highly anticipated event that will see 28 of QLD’s most beautiful women compete to secure a spot as a QLD National Finalist, and go on to compete in and represent QLD in the Miss Universe Australia National Final. Get Your Ticket Here