Sarah Wilson’s goal in life is to be happy.
It’s that simple, she’s striving for general contentment, exciting experiences and the opportunity to undertake meaningful work.
While she is still finishing her communication degree and hoping to gain employment in the government sector, the Newcastle local is currently in the running for something that would make her ecstatic.
After a “whirlwind experience”, the 21-year-old is a Miss Universe Australia finalist.
The competition provides an opportunity for young women to participate in a self-development program. It offers a platform to advocate for important issues and build successful careers.
“Basically, my whole intention behind signing up was to have a new experience, one that I would grow from,” Sarah said.
“Being a young woman, I think we’re all kind of on that journey of developing self-confidence and resilience.
“Miss Universe Australia presented itself as a program that promoted that sort of thing and that’s why I signed up.”
As a preliminary round of the international Miss Universe pageant, it has the potential to launch the winner onto the world stage, with the title holder going on to compete against women from across the globe.
Whether or not Sarah follows in the footsteps of former Hunter winners Jennifer Hawkins and Tegan Martin will be revealed on 19 October.
“I couldn’t even describe how I would feel winning to be honest,” Sarah told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It would be life-changing for so many reasons.
“I think I would just feel an overwhelming sense of pride.
“I remember when I was selected at the state final, I didn’t realise I had been called out and my mum was like Sarah put your earrings on you’ve been called up.
“I thought it was a different name.
“General disbelief I would say but I would feel super ready to take it on and I would feel ready for it.
“At the end of the day, I would just feel really proud of myself.”
She adds that she is honoured to represent Newcastle, the Hunter and her hometown Nabiac.
“It feels really really nice, I feel like there is no pressure and everyone I have spoken to is just backing me and supporting me and is just really proud of me,” she said.
“It’s nice to be able to showcase the Hunter and regional areas because amazing things do come out of those towns and I feel like they are pretty underrated.”
Sarah says the entire journey has resulted in a lot of personal growth.
“The process has been really fun,” she said.
“It’s been really interesting getting to know women from all different states as well as meeting with different sponsors and going to different events.
“It’s been a whirlwind experience, that’s the way I would describe it.
“I didn’t really have any experience in beauty pageants – it was just one of those opportunities that I went into with an open mind and I didn’t have any expectations.”
While the competition has led to a number of incredible moments, one of Sarah’s highlights was their trip to the Gold Coast earlier this year.
“It was overwhelming and exciting,” she said.
“It was such a great opportunity and it allowed us to get to know each other on such a personal level.”
For Sarah, another amazing part of the challenge was watching others develop.
“Seeing everyone shine at different stages of the program and in different ways has been one of the most inspirational parts of this entire experience,” she said.
“It has been such a rewarding process so far.”
The finalist describes her style as “ugly cute”.
“Everything I wear has to be a little bit ugly and it also has to be a bit cute,” she said.
“I don’t know why but it’s just the splice of things that I go for.”
When it comes to her opinion of beauty Sarah says it revolves around yourself.
“My mantra is you are as beautiful as you feel, it doesn’t really matter what you are wearing or how expensive it is or if somebody else likes it,” she explained.
“If you feel beautiful you are going to shine wearing whatever it is, it could be a garbage bag.”
To stay up-to-date with Sarah’s Miss Universe journey follow her on Instagram, @sarah.wilsun.
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