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'I am in love with India'
When Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins came calling to India last year, she said she had fallen in love with the country. According to the Aussie beauty, she wanted to make many more visits to 'touch and feel' India.
Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins, who was in Lucknow as guest of Sahara Parivar chief Subroto Roy last year, said she had fallen in love with India on her first visit and wanted to keep coming back.
You are in India for the first time. How has the experience been so far?
Although I have never been in this country before, I have already fallen in love with it and would like to visit more often.
How much of India have you seen?
Not much. I want to travel from one end of the country to the other. I want to touch and feel India. I love its people because they are so good.
In fact when I left Australia, my family was very jealous. They said I was going to a land of dreams. And today when I am here, I realise how true that is.
Do you like Indian food?
I have never tasted such spicy food in my life. Sometimes it's just too spicy. But some of the dishes that I tasted during my stay were simply delicious. I especially loved dosa. Although I can't remember all the names, Indian cuisine is really mouth-watering. I am willing to try anything that is not too spicy.
How did you feel when you were named Miss Universe?
At first I couldn't believe my ears when my name was announced. For a while I though I was dreaming.
What role has your family played in your title win?
I come from a very middle class family. While my mother Gail Hawkins is a housewife, my father is manager in a train company. I am the youngest of four brothers and sisters. I would never have become Miss Universe without the whole-hearted support of my loved ones.
Do you take an interest in sports?
I enjoy all kinds of water sports, including surfing.
How is your globetrotting mission going?
Very well. I am trying to spread the message of Global Health Council and the Elizabeth and Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation for prevention of the killer disease.
Jennifer Hawkins: A snapshot
Occupation: Miss Universe 2004.
Birthplace: Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Height: 5' 11"
Life Before The Crown
"She's a happy, easygoing type of girl who loves a laugh and always has time for people. She's a natural, very Australian type of girl. She's very well liked," said Gail Hawkins, Jennifer's mother. Hawkins, a model and cheerleader for her town's local rugby league team, kept her Miss Universe ambitions quiet. "No one even knew that she was in it, that she'd been in the competition," said Karen Godbee, events manager for the Newcastle Knights. "We all found out from the television."
Jennifer's Family
According to Gail, her daughter is very close to her family, traveling to Newcastle from the Sydney beachside suburb of Bondi almost every weekend for the last six months since she left home.
Jennifer was born in Newcastle, a regional city two hours north of Sydney. It is a township with a strong beach culture and a warm family environment. She is the youngest of four children. Jennifer admits that she looks up to her siblings, and they have all influenced her. Her parents, who have been happily married for 30 years, have also influenced her.
Her Work as Miss Universe
Not 24 hours after her crowning, Jennifer packed her bags and immediately moved to her new digs..., a luxury Trump Place apartment in New York City. New York was home base for Jennifer as she travelled the world as an ambassador for organisations focusing on HIV and AIDS awareness. Within weeks of being crowned Jennifer spoke to a crowd of more than 18,000 people when she appeared onstage with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and world famous actor and activist, Richard Gere at the 2004 World AIDS Summit in Bangkok Thailand.
In addition to her travels on behalf of various HIV/AIDS organizations Jennifer has also achieved many of her professional goals since her crowning. She has signed on as the new host of the popular television travel program "Great Outdoors" on Channel Seven in Australia and recently inked a deal with Pepsi as the new spokesperson for their products in Australia.
"My year as Miss Universe has been life-changing. I have grown so much as a result of my travels and all my work with HIV/AIDS programs. I’m incredibly grateful for the things I've experienced this year," says Jennifer.
Jennifer will return to Australia after crowning her successor on May 30th, 2005 in Bangkok Thailand and says that after a few days of rest and relaxation she'll continue pursuing her blossoming career in the entertainment industry.
Source: Miss Universe LP, LLLP
