Media Man Australia - The Online Home of Greg Tingle

Interview: Ashleigh Seymour (Miss Teen Australia 2006) - 5th December 2006

From Parramatta Eels Cheerleader to Miss Teen Australia!

What's your background?

I come from a family of three sisters, mum and dad, and have lived in Australia all my life. My father's background is Australian, and my mother is from Wales, with her parents originating from England and the Isle of Man. I have always lived in the western suburbs of Sydney and was born in
Baulkham Hills.

Did you have any idea you might possibly win Miss Teen Australia?

I had absolutely no idea! When they called my name out, I just froze and thought "did I just hear my name!" it was just so unexpected. I entered the comp for a bit of fun, and was even shocked to make the nationals! Every girl goes there with the hope of coming away with the crown, but I never
thought that that dream would become a reality!

What other young ladies do you feel did well out of Miss Teen Australia?

I think that every girl that entered the comp came away with a sense of accomplishment and experience and left in a positive manner. The competition was very encouraging of all the girls and I heard so many of them say that they would be returning next year to compete. I felt that even the girls with a lot of experience left the competition with a sound definition of what it is like to be part of such a friendly and warm team of girls and crew, as well as learning how to appropriately present themselves to the public. In that way I would like to say that all of us girls came away with
a lot of knowledge, but I think that the girls who came runner up and second runner up in the nationals learnt a lot and did very well out of miss teen. Madeline was only 15 years of age and came away with the runner up prize, so I think she stepped up and showed talent in the competition that exceeded her years.

Is cheerleading a good background to boost confidence for the modeling business?

Should I say no more than Jennifer Hawkins??? Without the cheerleading, I don't think that I would ever have gotten to even know about this business, let alone have the confidence to stand up in front of a room full of people and perform. Cheerleading gave me a huge step up in the sense that it gave me the confidence, but also gave me the opportunity to enter a competition like this one.

How did you get a start with the cheer squad with the Parramatta Eels?

When I was 15, I was dancing at a studio, but found it very "catty" and was picked on quite a bit by a few other girls in the school. I hated turning up to class, and although I loved to dance, I felt that I had to give it up because of this. I was so upset I had to iv it away, so my dad looked into
cheerleading as I was born into a Parramatta Eels family

What inspires you?

I find that I look up to people who stand up for themselves and I gain inspiration from people who are creative in what they do. Going into a teaching profession, I am always looking for different and creative ways to get the information across to students, and when I see other people encouraging kids to learn and live healthy and active lifestyles, I am inspired to do the same in my own teaching.

What sports are you best at?

I m a member of the Glenbrook/Cheltenham Physical Culture Club and this year competed in the national finals at the Sydney Opera house, and have also been a national place getter during my 16 years of Physie. I have just been asked to teach the pre-schoolers class at Glenbrook, so if you know any little girls aged between 2 and 4 years you know where to send them! One of my teachers Sally Lamplough won the Grand Champion Award at the nationals this year, and she is a great Physie girl, so Glenbrook is a great club! I also love playing a game of any sport whether it is soccer, footy, basketball, or netball even if I really am not that good at it! I made it to the NASSA level every year since year 7 at school for swimming and we got to compete at the Homebush Aquatic Center which was pretty fun!

Who are your biggest supporters and sponsors?

My mum and dad. They are always there for me when I am doing something and I love them. Also my grandmother Daphne, she is an inspiration to me and I love her too. How could I write this and not mention my uncle who is my godfather and my uncle David who rang me up pretending to be Santa one year. They are both great friends and the best uncles!!! And lastly my sisters Jenna and Tayla, and also my boyfriend Ben. They are so good to me and put up with a lot!

Does good rhythm come naturally to you, or did you need to work on it?

I have done Physie since the age of two, and I think that Physie is a provider of rhythm, posture, discipline, dance ability, and fun! Growing up with something makes it easier to grasp hold of, so rhythm has never really been something that I needed to work on or struggled with.

Where did you get your great looks from?... Mum or dad?

Ha ha! Well my dad's work colleagues always tease him and say "your wife must be stunning for you to have daughters like that!" so I think that's a pretty good indication that we get our looks from mum! But more seriously, I think I look a lot like both of my parents and possess qualities of both.

What other hobbies do you have, other than dancing?

I love going to the footy especially to watch the mighty Parramatta Eels! I also love teaching. I currently teach at Mary Mackillop Primary School in South Penrith where I teach dancing, Penrith Anglican College where I teach a variety of sports, and also at Emu Plains after school care facility where I teach the children cheerleading and dance. I really get a lot out of teaching, it is my passion.

Do you get asked out on dates much, especially now that your Miss Teen?

Um… not really! I think that because I have been going out with my boyfriend for 4 years now, most people know that we are together, and because we always do things mutually, people usually back off because he is a big bloke!

What career aspirations do you have?

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian Catholic University in Strathfield, and with all my other teaching experience, I am aspiring to become a successful high school teacher.

What are your favourite labels?

I honestly don't even look at labels! But if I quickly look through my wardrobe, I can see a fair bit of Billabong and Roxy clothes… but really it doesn't bother me!

Vital statistics / sizes etc?

Height: 178 cm
Eye colour: Brown
Hair colour: dark brown
Shoe size: 8.5
Clothes size: 8-10

Favourite music?

Coming from a dancing background, I think I can handle any sort of music put out there and appreciate it. The only thing I can't stand is heavy metal and all the screaming!!!

What media coverage have you attracted to date?

since becoming Miss Teen Australia, I have been given a radio interview with Kick FM 87.6 which is the local Penrith Radio station, newspaper shoots and stories, and am hoping to go on T.V. my dream is to go on Dancing With the Stars on Channel Seven! That would be the ultimate!

Where would you like to travel to?

I would love to go to Europe toe places like Italy and the Greek Islands. With Miss Teen I won a trip to Hawaii, so that will be beautiful! But before I do any of that, I want to travel the whole of Australia. We have the best country!

Favourite book?

Harry Potter… don't laugh!

Hidden talent?

I can twist my tongue around and it flips over… is that a hidden talent?

Star sign?

Gemini.

...end.

Editors note: this young lady is going places. If last years winner of Miss Teen Australia, Lauryn Eagle is any indication, Ashleigh Seymore has a bright future ahead of her. What a great example for the youth of Australia.

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