We’re excited it’s that time of the year again when we get to introduce you to the contestants of Miss Universe Australia. We’re kicking off our eighth year of finalist interviews with Monica Przybylek from Queensland, one of the twenty-eight talented, and inspiring contestants from all walks of life who are vying for the title of Miss Universe Australia 2019.
So Monica, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Adelaide South Australia but now living in the Gold Coast Queensland. I am currently working as a Dental nurse and Sales Assistant. I would describe myself as Considerate, Sympathetic, Outgoing, Positive
What would you say was your motivation for entering Miss Universe Australia?
Naturally, I’m an introvert; I would say that I’m anxious when it comes to trying something new, especially when it comes to public speaking or anything to do with a stage or camera. My motivation came from wanting to show both girls and boys that are just like me what they could achieve if they push themselves out of their comfort zone, and show them that not only will it open doors for multiple opportunities but it will also benefit you mentally.
The program is certainly full of amazing experiences in the lead-up to finals, You’ve just returned from the National Finalist Trip to Bali staying at the sensational Alila Hotels. How was this experience?
That was the first time I’ve ever been to Bali, so to be able to experience Bali the way that I did and many of the other girls that also haven’t been to Bali before is crazy. I am and forever will be grateful for that entire experience. Each of the Allia Hotel’s we stayed at was incredible. It literally felt like I was in a dream the entire time. The Stuff were so kind and very welcoming, each breakfast, lunch and dinner was breathtaking with the views that we got and the delicious food that we received. The experience is unforgettable, the things we saw and got to do I would say we are all incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to be apart of this trip.
The Bali Trip is a combination of finals boot camp, personal development and team bonding exercise with a tropical escape thrown in for good measure, what would you say are some of the best things you’ll take away from the trip?
Being in Bali for a week has taught me a lot. Like Ive mentioned, that was the first time I had ever been to Bali, and the second time I’ve been overseas in general.
So to be able to learn about a completely different culture in the most magical way is very rewarding. Driving through multiple main cities and seeing how they live made me feel sad at first. But as the days went on I learnt that this is their life style and they don’t know any different than to what they have. So they are much more appreciative of the things that they’ve got even if it isn’t much. This made me have a completely different view to my life and to forever be grateful for the things that I have even if its not much, because to someone else what I’ve got could be everything they could possibly want.
I’ve also learnt a lot about myself. I was apart of Troy’s pool side counselling session (drinks included) – 10/10 would recommend. I was open and honest with him and told him that a lot of the pressure was getting to me and I was starting to doubt myself in the competition. I was telling myself that I don’t have a chance against these girls, and I started to compare myself to everyone else and questioned why I was there and why I thought I even had a shot. But Troy said one sentence that changed my mindset completely. He said “if you don’t believe that you will win, and you’ve got the mindset that you will lose then you’ve already lost. Instead of looking around trying to figure out who will win, focus on yourself and focus on how you can win. Each girl is so different and each of you have a chance. That is why you’re here so you need to believe in yourself and try.” This sparked a lot of motivation for me. Alot of the time when I’m put in a environment similar to this were there are a lot of gorgeous girls around me and we are all after the same thing I tend to shut down and give up saving myself from disappointment. But this time is the first time that I haven’t given up, thanks to troy. I though if I were to give up now I’m going against the soul reason I even entered to be in this competition, and I would feel worse for not trying than giving it my all.
So being in Bali has taught me life lessons. To be grateful for everything I have, and to never give up, because each position I am in, I’m their for a reason. I’m here to demonstrate to girls and boys what they could achieve when you keep pushing.
So now you’re home and, winter has set in and the finals are only just around the corner, how are you feeling in the leadup to Melbourne and what sort of preparation are you doing before finals week?
Most of my preparation is through my diet. I work a lot so I don’t have much time to do the things I would like leading up to the finals. But maintaining a healthy balanced diet will keep me feeling and looking my best. I keep up my hydration levels and clean my skin each night, in preparation for the Finals so i am looking glowy and fresh.
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think sets you apart from the other contestants?
I think the way that I see the world at my age is what sets me apart. I was raised with not a lot as a child. I was forced to grow up faster then most people my age. I feel as though because of my up bringing, I appreciate the little things and never take anything for granted
Your next question comes from Simon Ross of Minespec Parts
How much of a deciding factor for entering this year, was the Minespec Parts Grant of $20,000 to put towards your education or business startup?
The Minespec Parts Grant wasn’t a deciding factor for me when I entered for Miss Universe Australia. I view the Grant as a bonus to be able to start either a business or put it towards an education. I entered Miss Universe Australia for many reason but the grant was not my deciding factor. Like I mentioned I viewed it more as a bonus rather than a factor to why I had entered.
And if you were lucky enough to receive the grant, what would you spend it on and why?
Ive got a huge amount of love for children and have always known that I will pursue a career in helping them in some way. As a child I know what it feels like to feel alone, depressed, anxious and angry but no one understanding why. So I want to study towards a career like Child Physiology and help children who feel lost at very young ages. If I were lucky enough to receive the grant I would put it towards my education to start pursing my dream and help the kids who are just like me.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I know how to speak Polish fluently. My siblings and I were raised speaking polish as our first language, till this day I still speak polish to my parents as it is the language they are most confident in.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you or someone you know recently?
My partner and I make smoothies quite often, this one time I heard my partner making a smoothie with the little machine thing, so I walk to the kitchen to have a sip of this smoothie that he’s made ( keep in mind it was whiteish and looked alittle foamy – like a banana smoothie)
So i had a mouth full of what I thought was a banana smoothie to quickly realise it didnt taste anything like a banana at all. It was dish washing detergent… yep… I drank dish washing detergent. My partner was just trying to clean the inside of the smoothie bottle and I thought it was a banana smoothie.
As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult, but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be?
Living out of home and working
If you were given the platform of becoming Miss Universe Australia, how would you use it?
If I was lucky enough to be Miss Universe Australia, I would use my platform to become more involved in the safety and health of abused, neglected and less fortunate children. I would shine a brighter light on all of the issues that still occur to children on an everyday basis and hope that I make a difference to the kids that are suffering.
Presenting Sponsor
Minespec Parts are proud to be the presenting sponsor for Miss Universe Australia, Working to empower and support women not just through the Miss Universe Australia pageant and their $20k education and business grant, but through many platforms with various activities across Australia all furthering and supporting women in the workplace.