By NOEL MURPHY
ALEX Hecker’s plans to be an archaeologist or museum curator might go on hold after she was shortlisted for next month’s Miss Universe Australia pageant.
The dark-haired Highton beauty – an anthropology/ancient history graduate studying for a masters in cultural heritage – is one of seven Victorians who will be scrutinised for their beauty, talent, education and confidence in next month’s national final.
A win will send her to an International Miss Universe Pageant in the US.
But Alex wasn’t getting ahead of herself after becoming a national finalist this week.
“I had to get an assignment in today, I was back to reality,” she said.
“And I have another due the day after the Australian presentation.”
The hard-worker maintains a hectic lifestyle as a racing industry ambassador, a model, presenter, a retail worker three days a week and travelling to Deakin University’s Burwood campus twice weekly.
Alex said she was “absolutely loving” her masters studies.
“Right now I’m focussing on museum issues and ethics and cultural policies.
“It sounds fairly dry but I find it fascinating – it’s focussed on Australian and indigenous issues, which I really like.”
The pageant might sound easy in comparison but it’s not.
“There’s so much before the actual day,” Alex said.
“All the preparation, there’s a lot involved in the beauty and stage presence, but there’s also the intelligence side to it. You’ve got to be the whole package, not just a model.
“The question category could be anything personal to political and it’s the category where a lot of girls come undone. The thing is to try to stay calm.”
Alex said she was sticking to a strict exercise regime, staying healthy and keeping up with current affairs for the 6 June finals.
She was also working with “one or two” designers on a special gown for the event.
“It has to be pretty knock-out,” she said.
