Jacqueline Scheiwe - Miss Universe Queensland Finalist

Well here in Queensland we’ve just wrapped up another sensational Summertime the weather is sparkling, and the search for the next Miss Universe Australia is heading our way with finalists being announced across the country now.

We thought we would kick off our home state interviews with Jacqueline Scheiwe.

Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?

Thank you! I was really surprised to be a finalist since I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a 24-year-old Brisbane local, working as a journalist on tv news bulletins and social media. When I’m not working, I try to get as far away from a computer screen as I can and go for long runs through Daisy Hill Conservation Forest or around Kangaroo Point and Southbank. One of my biggest hobbies growing up was Irish Dancing, which gave me the opportunity to travel overseas to London to compete at the World Championships. I love supporting Brisbane’s local talent by heading along to a live music gig or La Boite theatre production whenever I can. But most importantly, I’m a millennial who loves sharing some smashed avocado on rye sourdough with a cold drip coffee at home with mum!

We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee ? but what was your key motivation for entering the Miss Universe Australia competition?

I’ve never done anything remotely like a Miss Universe pageant and thought “why not?” I’m not a model, nor the world’s most dedicated philanthropic volunteer. But when the opportunity to enter came along, I was ready to try my hand at something that would challenge me as nothing else has.

What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to the Queensland State Final, where I’ll get to meet the other contestants for the first time. We’re each so busy it’s proved almost impossible to have us all in the same room at once! I’m also excited to meet the judges and find out more about the Miss Universe Australia competition as it has launched the careers of many successful Australian women.

We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?

I think my self-doubt makes me feel like the most unique thing about me is that I’m not a model, unlike the other contestants. But being a model is not what this competition is about. So I think having the prior experience of competing in an international competition representing Australia and being judged by a panel of six judges is something that sets me apart. I have experience being onstage and judged, and know the most important thing is to be proud of my efforts no matter what the judges decide.

With the state finals, just a few days away, has your routine changed at all?

Yes! I am so used to finishing a long day at work by curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and falling asleep! But I’ve pushed myself to get off the couch and try to fit in a run or an F45 session on my way home from work. And it’s no surprise I feel so much better when I do exercise despite how tired I feel!

What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?

I hope to grow my self-confidence; my willingness to throw my hand up to give something new and uncomfortable ago; and to increase my involvement in local charity groups.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

I recently bought a ticket to go to the Brisbane Comedy festival for the very first time. 30 minutes before the show and a splitting headache decided to visit and tear apart my brain from the inside out. With no pain relief on hand, I pushed on. The comedian had a tiny audience of about 20. My headache was starting to make me feel woozy. Sitting dead centre, it was incredibly noticeable I was the only one not laughing. It was awkward. While this story might not be the funniest, I hope someone can laugh at my misfortune, because I definitely wasn’t able to that night!

How would your closest friend describe you?

Kit Kat-addicted, coffee snob, nerd, who wears only black & white, and is oddly philosophical.

Beach curls. Happy girl. ? Coffee helps too! ?? #sunshinebeach #coffeehopping

A post shared by Jacqui Scheiwe (@jacqui_shyv) on

Name five things you can’t live without?

Internet. iPhone. Coffee. Cheese. Wine.

Isn’t the Miss Universe competition outdated in 2018?

At first, I thought that too. But the competition teaches you to use social media as a platform for positive influence through the various video blogs we’ve created along our Miss Universe journey. You’re probably thinking “Great, another Instagram model. Just what we need… *eye roll*” But social media is an incredibly powerful tool for social change. Eight years ago was the Arab Spring where civilians used social media to encourage and organise protests for a more democratic government. It resulted in the Tunisian, Egyptian and Libyan governments being overthrown. More recently, we’re witnessing social media being used in America to bring attention to the Black Lives Matter movement and for gun reform. We have every tool we need at our fingertips to help change our world for the better. If this competition can encourage us to stand up with confidence and to use social media to address real problems, then this competition is more relevant than ever.

Jacqueline is also raising money for ToyBox International please consider making a donation at EveryDayHero

Featured Image by Laurence Kong, @LHMKPhoto

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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