From Never, to Now. That was me and the Quest. My name is Stina Constantine, always a Quest supporter, never a Quest entrant… Until Now. Thanks to the generosity of my wonderful colleagues at Relationship’s Australia, who in one morning tea raised the necessary funds for my endeavour to overcome the one opportunity I continued to close the door on. Having watched many young women, including friends, enter and grow through the quest I came to admire their ambition, hard work, vulnerability and their personal achievements. But I always noticed only certain women stood up to the task. Busy, courageous women for sure. However, I rarely saw women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, so I dared not enter either. Which suited me just fine, seen as the idea of being in the public eye made me nervous. Until I realised, maybe it’s time someone challenged that mould. What if there are others who considered entering but didn’t because they thought they looked different? So, I enter hoping other women like me, might realise this isn’t an exclusive quest, but rather a city’s quest for young ambassadors and a women’s quest for self, incorporating all that a person is.
The journey thus far has involved a lot of personal development sessions, meeting some of the committee members and getting to know the other entrants. The other entrants have described the last couple of months as exciting, empowering, defining and rewarding. Although, I resonate with these words, for me there is one word that overpowers them all… ‘nerve-racking!!!’. Everything from meeting the other entrants and realising first day of school questions still exist,
‘will there be others who look like me? will they like me? will they be nice?’
To more character building questions
‘what do I have to offer this City and the people in it?’ and ‘Who am I?’
I was relieved to find the other entrants were not only nice, but smart, funny, strong, talented and passionate, and this in just 2 months. To think I’m now able to spend the next 7 months working together with them, is truly a privilege.
Our initial tasks included thinking about why we joined the quest and answering a series of questions for our profiles, followed by diving straight into the initial personal development sessions. Sarah Navin (Former Miss Wagga Wagga 2017) who walked us through all forms of media, and a spot mock interview. The nerves were high, but so were the giggles of relief afterwards. Followed by Hair & Makeup Session with Yvette and the ladies at Passions Hair & Beauty who guided us through skin care, hair and makeup that would suit each entrant, as well as handy tips and tricks. This is where we also met the current titleholders Zoe Martin & Maddie Smith, Miss Wagga Wagga 2018 and Community Princess respectively. Dining Etiquette with the Chair of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, Larry Buete and Entrant Coordinator, Melissa McKinnon (also former Miss Wagga Wagga 2016) was next and clarified the oh so elusive ‘bread & butter’ situation. It was also the opportunity for our first official entrant’s task of choosing beneficiaries from our applications. This was not an easy job and proved to be a challenging yet fruitful discussion for all involved. Dress etiquette by the Mayoress, Jenny Conkey and Brenda Tritton (former committee member) was next, who walked us through the importance of following the neat & tidy rules of a lady whilst always ensuring our personalities shone through. Events session run by Alexandra Mack (Community Princess 2012) was essentially about everything we need to know to run an event smoothly. At last, I finally felt like I was starting to understand what the fundraising year might look like, and it excited me. With a looming formal speech around the corner it was a pleasure to sit with the Former Mayor, Rod Kendall, to discuss speech writing and delivery, what to do and what not to do. His words ‘treasure your individuality’ reminded me of what Larry and Melissa had told us from day one ‘Don’t try to be someone you’re not, Just Be You’ and this hit home again. At the end of the day this quest is a duel endeavour, yes community growth, but also personal growth.
With the launch just around the corner, it was a joy to sit down with the entrants over a relaxed meal to discuss the all important final touches… which shoes to wear with that dress for the launch?
As the evening of the launch draws near, I am mixed with both nerves and excitement. Nerves, because growth means, growing pains; I want to give this endeavour my best, and knowing you’re being judged at every event has its toll. But also, excited to have met these women and to be able to work together to give back to our city that we respect and admire.
To the other entrants Bonnie, Chelsea, Clare, Ebony, Taylor & Presslea, I salute your courage to pursue the best version of yourself, and I’m so looking forward to working with you all to make a difference in our community no matter the size
– together we can make a meaningful change.
- Stina Constantine
Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Entrant
The journey thus far has involved a lot of personal development sessions, meeting some of the committee members and getting to know the other entrants. The other entrants have described the last couple of months as exciting, empowering, defining and rewarding. Although, I resonate with these words, for me there is one word that overpowers them all… ‘nerve-racking!!!’. Everything from meeting the other entrants and realising first day of school questions still exist,
‘will there be others who look like me? will they like me? will they be nice?’
To more character building questions
‘what do I have to offer this City and the people in it?’ and ‘Who am I?’
I was relieved to find the other entrants were not only nice, but smart, funny, strong, talented and passionate, and this in just 2 months. To think I’m now able to spend the next 7 months working together with them, is truly a privilege.
Our initial tasks included thinking about why we joined the quest and answering a series of questions for our profiles, followed by diving straight into the initial personal development sessions. Sarah Navin (Former Miss Wagga Wagga 2017) who walked us through all forms of media, and a spot mock interview. The nerves were high, but so were the giggles of relief afterwards. Followed by Hair & Makeup Session with Yvette and the ladies at Passions Hair & Beauty who guided us through skin care, hair and makeup that would suit each entrant, as well as handy tips and tricks. This is where we also met the current titleholders Zoe Martin & Maddie Smith, Miss Wagga Wagga 2018 and Community Princess respectively. Dining Etiquette with the Chair of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, Larry Buete and Entrant Coordinator, Melissa McKinnon (also former Miss Wagga Wagga 2016) was next and clarified the oh so elusive ‘bread & butter’ situation. It was also the opportunity for our first official entrant’s task of choosing beneficiaries from our applications. This was not an easy job and proved to be a challenging yet fruitful discussion for all involved. Dress etiquette by the Mayoress, Jenny Conkey and Brenda Tritton (former committee member) was next, who walked us through the importance of following the neat & tidy rules of a lady whilst always ensuring our personalities shone through. Events session run by Alexandra Mack (Community Princess 2012) was essentially about everything we need to know to run an event smoothly. At last, I finally felt like I was starting to understand what the fundraising year might look like, and it excited me. With a looming formal speech around the corner it was a pleasure to sit with the Former Mayor, Rod Kendall, to discuss speech writing and delivery, what to do and what not to do. His words ‘treasure your individuality’ reminded me of what Larry and Melissa had told us from day one ‘Don’t try to be someone you’re not, Just Be You’ and this hit home again. At the end of the day this quest is a duel endeavour, yes community growth, but also personal growth.
With the launch just around the corner, it was a joy to sit down with the entrants over a relaxed meal to discuss the all important final touches… which shoes to wear with that dress for the launch?
As the evening of the launch draws near, I am mixed with both nerves and excitement. Nerves, because growth means, growing pains; I want to give this endeavour my best, and knowing you’re being judged at every event has its toll. But also, excited to have met these women and to be able to work together to give back to our city that we respect and admire.
To the other entrants Bonnie, Chelsea, Clare, Ebony, Taylor & Presslea, I salute your courage to pursue the best version of yourself, and I’m so looking forward to working with you all to make a difference in our community no matter the size
– together we can make a meaningful change.
- Stina Constantine
Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Entrant
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