Liz Fisher, 23, is one chick with beauty and brains. The gorgeous brunette is an environmental scientist who has just won the 2008 Search for Summer model competition.
What did you have to do to win Search for Summer 2008, presented by Banana Boat?
I entered as a wild card, which provides you with the opportunity to go through to the finale if you missed or were unsuccessful in the preliminary events around Australia. The finale of Search for Summer sees a narrowed-down group of finalists fly to the Gold Coast for three days of stylist and make-up consultations, rehearsals and then the main event.
The event itself has three categories — Summer Day, Summer Swim and Summer Evening. We provide our own outfits to show our knowledge of latest fashion trends and then are allocated a stylist to give advice and coordinate certain outfits, if required.
On the day of the event, we walked on the runway to DJs mixing live music and a huge crowd cheering us on, while a judging panel evaluated our fashion sense, ability to model the outfits, confidence and overall, who represented what summer is all about.
I've never been part of an event like Search for Summer — it was so much fun! The event is so high-profile and the prizes are incredible, so I was really excited to win.
Is modelling a career you want to pursue?
To make modelling a professional and full-time career would be great, but with an industry that is full of uncertainty and is being pursued by a million other girls, it's hard to make it. You have play it by ear and see where it takes you. If a great opportunity came about to model full-time, I would take it, but if not, then I have the opportunity of pursuing my other passions in life.
What do you say about the stereotype that modelling is a nasty and superficial industry?
To a certain extent that stereotype is true. When you go to a casting and you are not what they are looking for, they will tell you up front and sometimes not in the most polite way. You may be rejected because of superficial characteristics, like you don't have blonde hair or your eyes aren't brown.
What I don't think fits that stereotype is the other models you work with. It always amazes me how friendly and laidback other models are and how easy it is to have a chat with them. For example, the Search for Summer event was definitely a far cry from the catfight scenes you see in shows like America's Next Top Model. All the girls were just excited to be part of the event and meet new people from different parts of Australia.
How do you think modelling competitions affect a girl's self-esteem?
Events like Search for Summer are showing girls that winning is not about having this ideal body shape that we often see in magazines. It's about embracing your individual look, style and natural beauty and having the self-confidence to show it to the audience. So really it's a forum that allows you to be yourself.
Modelling competitions that do focus solely on your physical attributes can be damaging to a girl's self-esteem because they place such great importance on the way you look. In particular, great importance is placed on conforming to a certain look that the judges will reward. Everyone's look is different, so those types of competitions make girls think that their look is the wrong look.
I entered Search for Summer because it was all about summer fashion, music and having fun. Really credible sponsors supported Search for Summer and the event offered genuine opportunities.
What is your favourite way to stay fit?
I go to the gym and do fitness classes three days a week, which I really enjoy. But I also like to keep fit by being active on the weekends and doing activities such as bushwalking, swimming and cycling.
What made you want to be an environmental scientist?
I've always loved being outside and among nature. Even when I was a kid I was always interested in looking at plants and animals, so this passion has simply carried through my life. I suppose everyone wants to make some sort of difference in life. With the huge environmental changes that are occurring across the globe, such as climate change, the oil crisis, droughts and animal extinctions, for me there is this need to be a part of helping to manage these situations that currently pose a threat to global populations.
What's the best bit about your job?
Going out in the field, especially if it's for a fauna survey. It's hard work but lots of fun at the same time because you get to see and hold all different native animals that you don't find in the suburbs, as well as walk through bushland and other beautiful landscapes. Even seeing animals that are often in zoos, like koalas, is so different when you observe them in their natural habitat.
Any advice for girls wanting to follow a similar path?
Go for it! A lot of people asked me when I was completing the degree whether you can get a job out of what I was studying and the answer is definitely yes! In fact there are so many career options available when you complete a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. This gives you flexibility as well as the option of changing career paths later on in life.
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