If you’re young, female and passionate about life, UQ student and 2008 RSL Girl in a Million Maia Keerie is looking for you.
The 21-year-old was awarded the prestigious title in July and as a Youth ambassador for the Queensland RSL and the Quest, Miss Keerie hopes to attract more young women to get involved.
"One of my aims is to increase awareness of the Quest and raise the number of entrants taking part,” Miss Keerie said.
“Young women need to know that it’s far from a beauty pageant, there’s certainly no bikinis coming out there.
“It’s about young women challenging themselves to make a difference in the community and developing themselves into the best possible people they can be.”
The RSL is the largest ex-service organisation in Queensland and provides its members (both current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel) with much needed mateship, a strong support network, welfare and advocacy services, and youth and community programs.
Miss Keerie, from Auchenflower, is about to commence her final semester of a Masters of Journalism, after pursuing undergraduate studies in performing arts.
“The competition was a year-long event so I've been involved throughout the entire duration of my masters,” she said.
“It has been challenging at times, prioritising and keeping on top of everything, but both aspects of my life have kept me grounded.
“I have been rewarded ten times over for any of the struggles I may have experienced.”
With a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.6, Miss Keerie definitely yearns to succeed and will no doubt help raise the profile of the RSL and its importance within the Queensland community.
She entered the competition to test her inner strength and now believes other young women can also rise to the challenge.
“Each of the entrants who joined me in this Quest are just extraordinary people and I’m never going to let them go now,” she said.
“You can not walk out of this Quest unmoved.
“I am always looking for opportunities to push and better myself and know it’s usually pursuing the things we fear that inspire the greatest change and growth.”
Miss Keerie said she would one day hope to further her passion for women’s rights in a PhD.
Unmarried women over the age of 18 who are interested in joining this year’s Quest can contact the RSL on 3634 9444 or gim@rslqld.org
Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications on (07 3365 2619)
