May... Wow what a month!

If there's one thing this year has taught me, it's how to possess fantastic time management skills. From working full-time as an Online Producer for Network Ten's sports channel One HD to studying a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism, time management has had to be quickly learnt.

Most recently I have thrown a competition in to the mix, Miss Universe Australia 2011. Often asked what made me enter this competition, I answer with "it was a personal choice." I'm not in it to compete with the other girls, I'm in it to achieve my goals, to have something to look forward to and mostly to have the opportunity to give inspiration and help to those less fortunate by fundraising.

My entry into this competition was a personal one. I had a severe car accident only two years ago and since then I have had to change my life dramatically. I was forced to change career paths and saw my fitness come to a halt when I was told I was no longer able to run or dance anymore. I was a Personal Trainer and a professional dancer in a crew performing around Sydney. With my two loves of my life suddenly crushed in front of me, I decided to go down the media path.

Struggling with memory loss, I found it hard to remember everyday activities but had a fantastic script memory. So I found myself returning to the Australian snow fields to work as the Snow Reporter for Channel Ten reporting live to the Early and Morning News. I was also reporting for Sports Tonight, SKY News, Prime, WIN and thredbo.com.au. This was where I realised I suddenly became one of the youngest females to ever report for live television.

With Miss Universe Australia Promoting positive body image and supporting several charities, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make a difference not only to my life but also to others. I was cleared to run and dance again, however it would take years to get back to level of athleticism I was once at. So with this competition having set deadlines it was the perfect reason to push myself back into the gym and back in the dance studio.

After applying for the pageant I soon found myself helping out at a fundraising event for the PCYC raising money for more equipment to help keep kids off the streets of Sydney. Dressed in convict black and white striped outfits, we all took turns locked in a cell set up in the middle of the city. In total, a fantastic $15k was raised in just a few hours! A great outcome.

Time flew by and I found myself standing in amongst 59 other beautiful girls at Sir Stamford hotel in Sydney at the Registration Day. After a quick interview with two lovely Judges and a quick walk across the room, I found myself in the top 25 Sydney girls.

The Sydney Preliminary Heat was only one week away. After organising my evening gown (which I had in closet for quite a long time after buying it from wardrobe on the Channel Seven All Saints set), swimwear and cocktail dress at the very last minute, I was selected into the Top 10 Sydney girls.

Sydney's Top Ten MUA Contenders 2011

The next round was the New South Wales State Finals. With the Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Sydney girls all coming together, it was time for some fun! Starting at 7:30 in the morning all of the girls took turns at making themselves beautified with hair, make-up and fittings. After rehearsals which were an absolute ball of fun, it was showtime! One by one we worked the floor, running in high heels to the top of a stair case, tearing off our high heels and racing down the stairs changing into the next outfit. Then it was back up the stairs, high heels back on, and scrambling to the event in a ladylike manner. Lining up in rows of two, the seven girls representing New South Wales were announced.

To my excitement my name was fifth to be called! Five other girls I had become close with throughout the competition had gotten through too. It was such a fantastic experience to share with some extraordinary girls. I now have to gather four new dresses, purchase new shoes and keep hitting the gym.

NSW State Finalists 2011

A special shout out to Sweaty Betty PR who organised a couple of amazingly stunning Rachel Gilbert gowns for me. Also to Network Ten's Stylist Melissa for organising a Designer Ruth Tarvydas gown for the evening section. I fell in love with all of these gowns.

In the first week of July, 30 girls from around Australia will head to Melbourne to compete for the MUA crown. What ever the result, great friends have been made, fun and exciting times have been had and an overall fantastic experience has been gained.

Until next time,

Alissa x