Tarneit’s Shanika Narayan says that while she was growing up, her parents taught her about the importance of compassion and empathy.
Ms Narayan, 20, was selected as one of the finalists of this year’s Miss World Australia (MWA) Victorian final, which was held earlier this month.
The competition encourages participants to raise money for a worthwhile cause.
“I am very proud to say that I raised just over $2300 for Variety the Children’s Charity – I am also incredibly grateful to my friends and family who helped me donate,” Ms Narayan said.
“Every Aussie child deserves a fair go and I am glad that I have been able to contribute.”
While Ms Narayan was not selected as one of five Victorians to contest the next stage of the pageant, she did place among the top 10 finalists.
“I took part because I really admire the MWA motto: beauty with a purpose,” she said.
“There are still misconceptions about pageantry in this day and age – it’s not completely about how you look – but it’s more how you are able to contribute to society and what qualities you possess.”
Ms Narayan is also completing her third year of studying a bachelor of applied science (aviation).
She said that with two parents who have worked extensively in aviation, her dream to become a commercial airline pilot – which was sparked when she attended the 2015 Avalon Airshow – “was almost a no brainer”.
“I know in the end it will be an incredibly rewarding career,” Ms Narayan said.
“Right now, it is a male dominated industry and so I encourage all my sisters out there to join aviation because there are an abundance of opportunities for you to grasp and it is a beautiful world to be part of.”
