WHAT began as self doubt soon turned into self belief for Balcatta’s Tamara Kordic when she won Miss West Coast in April.
The 19-year-old will draw on that belief as she vies for the title of Miss Universe Australia at the national finals in Melbourne next week.
“I had always wanted to enter Miss Universe Australia after I had watched so many of my friends do it,” she said.
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READ NOW“I always doubted myself because I thought I was too young, but this year being 19, I gained the confidence to enter and I am so happy I did.”
Ms Kordic, who is studying business law and accounting at university, has been modelling for several years and said she hoped to become a role model for other women through the competition.
“There are so many unrealistic standards and expectations that exist and pressure young girls and women to be the perfect ‘image’,” she said.
“Being Miss Universe Australia, you become a big ambassador for girls out there and you will naturally be looked up to, so it would be the perfect opportunity to encourage the inner beauty out of everyone by showcasing my own.”
She said she was feeling a “bundle of emotions” leading up to the finals.
“It’s a mixture of healthy nerves, butterflies and of course so much excitement,” she said.
“I just can’t wait to get out on that stage and watch each girl rock it because I know all of us will make Australia proud.”