Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I’ve ridden an ostrich, horse and elephant, held a python, hawk and a double-headed lizard, played with a dolphin and laid next to a tiger, with my one leg over its leg.
What do you love about the work you do?
In my teaching role, I absolutely love interacting with the many different students each day, who have rich characters, personalities and attributes. In my volunteer role (outside of teaching), I enjoy participating in initiatives which address homelessness, make an impact, enhance life, and add value and quality to life. I firmly believe in making a difference in the lives of others.
What would your last meal be?
A combination of an Indian and English dish, which comprises of Roti and Lamb curry, Lamb Breyani, Roast Lamb with Mint sauce, and Roast potatoes. For dessert, Goolab Jamuns or Soji (Indian dessert).
What are your most memorable moments?
When I won Casey Woman of the Year 2023, Ms Australia International 2022, Ms Australia Ambassador 2022, publishing my four poetry books and interviews with television and radio producers Kate Delaney, Ric Bratton and Dr Angela Chester.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
Being at my Dad’s side before he passed in September 2022, and being able to attend his funeral. Living abroad makes these precious moments extremely difficult and excruciatingly painful. That’s also one regret I’ll have for the rest of my life – not being with my parents when they need me most, but knowing that in order for me to support them, I need to continue working abroad.
Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I’m tempted to quote my favourite actors and musicians, but in reality my three guests would have to be my family – my mum, dad and my sister, who I haven’t seen in over seven years, as I live abroad. In life I’ve taken for granted the thought of always having my parents around, but after COVID, when both Mum and Dad were seriously hospitalised, followed by my Dad’s passing, and due to the fact that it’s been years since I last saw my family, I’d love to be able to see them just one more time in person, sitting down for dinner at the dinner table, munching on a delicious meal of meat and vegetables and having a chat about the day-to-day events of life, while laughing heartily at Dad’s humour and light-heartedness.
What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?
I’m reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey. This book centres on powerful lessons in personal change and serves as a guideline for individuals who desire to make a difference in life. It provides a step-by-step pathway to adapting to change and taking advantage of opportunities that change creates. Also, Deal your Own Destiny by Kate Delaney, which centres on why goals without accountability mean nothing; surrounding yourself with people who have integrity; understanding that patience pays and that we are “playing the long game” and finally, that we have to “go all in” in order to be purposeful, effective and dynamic.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Main meal: Lamb curry with fragrant basmati rice, a side dish of creamed spinach, cauliflower and broccoli gratin, potato bake and roast potatoes. Dessert: Rasberry and white chocolate cheesecake with a drizzle of raspberry coulis, topped with a dollop of cream, a cherry on top and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
What is your dream holiday destination?
I’d love to go to Paris, which has been on my bucket list, for as long as I can remember. It also has a reputation for being the ultimate in love and romance, with its wrought-iron buildings, sidewalks oozing with cosy cafes and the Seine’s meandering riverbanks. I’d love to be able to taste authentic coq au vin, golden buttery croissants, and the fusion of food.
What were you like as a kid?
I was very active and enjoyed the outdoors; from canoeing, to swimming in the ocean, lagoon and tidal pool (because my parents live on the beach), to playing tennis, table tennis, pool, volleyball, hockey, netball, basketball, soccer, athletics and bike-riding. My life revolved around being outdoors. I absolutely love animals and have always had a number of pets throughout my life.
What was your first job?
My first unpaid jobs were youth leader and Sunday school teacher. My first paid job was a shop assistant.
What are the three most used apps on your phone?
Google maps – This is my life support mechanism when travelling often to unknown destinations. Camera – Life is lived from moment to moment and these are always captured as a video or photo. Photos – Accessing images of photos and videos, captured of memorable moments, and either reflecting on them or sharing them with others.
What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?
Why is compassion, which is such a powerful emotion and impactful, so difficult to show? The world would be a much better place if everyone cared a little more, were a little more tolerant and had greater amounts of love and compassion. These elements of love and compassion are not luxuries, but necessities, and without these, mankind will most certainly cease to exist!
