Name: Caroline Pemberton
Age: 22
Occupation: Previous Miss Australia, Television Presenter, Keynote Speaker, Model

Caroline was crowned Miss Australia in 2007, which was thrilling and a bit of a shock at the same time. A tomboy at heart and not your typical pageant girl - a keen paraglider, canyoner, kayaker, water-skier and a girl who will try just about anything, even if it scares her half to death - is not your typical beauty queen!

Her greatest passion in life is humanitarian causes. She lived for 6 weeks at Mount Everest Base Camp, supporting her brother who became the youngest Australian to ever summit Everest at just 21, with the Sherpa people who inspired her with their generosity, warmth and humility, even though they lived off less than $1 a day in huts made of yak dung in temperatures of -20 degrees. She has traveled extensively and each journey has aided her inspiration to help others. Caroline has worked with over 25 charities in Australia and overseas - helping orphans in East Timor, child soldiers on the Sudanese border, at a rape crisis centre in Uganda and each year she travels to Kenya, as part of a team providing medical care to villagers, some of whom have never ever seen a doctor, not even when they were born!

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
My brother, Rex, was my greatest role model and inspiration, and still is. He became the youngest Australian to climb Mount Everest even though everyone around him, including other climbers that he respected, were telling him that he wouldn't make it, that he was too young, too inexperienced and was stupid to be attempting it. Rex however, believed in his own ability and judgment, and kept persevering through every obstacle.

How did your role model/s help you?
Rex taught me the power of dreams and determination. If you really want to achieve something, and you believe you can, you will get there… You're bound to have ups and downs along the way, but if you stay focused and persevere nothing can stop you.

He also taught me the power of goal setting. Sometimes we need to think about the steps it takes to achieve our dreams, set goals to complete those steps, and then set new ones when we do. That way we break down dreams that can seem impossible, into attainable, logical steps. I find this process also keeps me feeling motivated and positive - as you achieve each goal, you have something to celebrate and your confidence increases to take on the next stage.

Rex also showed me that even after you achieve a big dream, don't hesitate in creating a new dream, and a new set of goals. Within 18 months of climbing Everest, my brother had climbed the highest mountain on every continent, becoming the second youngest person in the world to do so. He never stops dreaming and goal setting.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
We all need inspiration, we all need to believe it's possible. Role models show us everyday that it is.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
It's funny you ask that, because I think I am facing many issues now, that most of my friends faced and dealt with back in high school. Maybe I'm a late bloomer, or it's the industry I work in, but I have plenty of issues with my own body image. Like most young women there are parts of my body that I hate and wish I could change. There are days when I'm completely convinced that I'm putting on too much weight, or that everyone is going to notice I have a slightly grey front tooth. I can get really caught up over little things and obsess about them.

For a few years during high school I had what I considered quite bad skin, and I can remember how much it would affect my self-confidence. I also remember trying to balance the school work, the extra-curricular activities, my friends, my boyfriend and my family and at times feeling very stressed.

How did you overcome these issues?
Well, currently I am studying psychology and I am also running a body image program for teenagers, which looks at the process of photo-shopping advertising images etc and what a healthy lifestyle and body image is. This helps me put perspective on my own body image, and I try and focus on what is healthy for me rather than what is "ideal". The advertising and media industry portray a very distorted image of what is beautiful, especially as none of their images are real nor do the people in the ads really exist anywhere in the world, you have to see to believe the wonders of a good stylist a talented makeup artist, photographers and photoshop! (if you have a moment youtube: Dove Evolution Ad, you'll see what I mean!)

When I'm feeling really down about my body image, I try and remember compliments that I've received or I enjoy an outdoor workout, or make something fun, healthy and yummy like sushi for dinner! As for the stress during my teen years, trying to fit everything in and keep everyone happy, it taught me the most amazing time management skills!

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Having my friends around me everyday at school, never take it for granted, as you get older, everyone gets so busy and time seems to just disappear.

What qualities do you think you possess that have helped you succeed in your chosen field?
An awful lot of determination and my competitive nature. If people tell me I can't, all I want to do is prove that I can! (That can sometimes be a very bad thing!) I also try to have self-belief and a thick skin. Everyday, I have people call me a blonde bimbo, or tell me I don't have what it takes to be a model, or on television, but I have to keep my chin up, remember that those are the people who judge me without knowing me, and keep working toward my dream. I think my ability to hear and accept constructive criticism has also helped me achieve my goals.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My humanitarian contribution. Being able to say that I have changed a child's life, brought a smile where there wasn't one, and shared laughs and knowledge without words. I am also incredibly proud to be part of my family. They are so much fun, not to mention supportive.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
What I have learnt through all my humanitarian and community work, is that it doesn't take a lot to change another person's day, week, year or even life. It can be as easy as giving encouragement, support & understanding. It doesn't have to cost you anything, or even too much of your time, and it's easy to do. It also makes you feel incredible as a person, and you learn a lot about yourself through helping others.

I love spending a Sunday here or there volunteering down at Westmead Children's Hospital with the kids. If I ever need help putting my problems into perspective, or I need a bit of inspiration to keep going when times are tough, I will always find it with those children.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
You already have it in you! Find your passion, make big dreams, commit to them, believe in your ability and that you do deserve your success, and the rest will follow.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
Being true to yourself and respectful to how you are feeling and then being as honest and respectful as you can be to the people around you. Next to that, I think health is the most important thing you can have in your life and you need to take care of your body as much as you can by listening to it, getting enough sleep, exercising and eating well.

In my life I try not to take all the things and opportunities I have been given for granted, and my humanitarian work helps greatly with that and gives me perspective. I try to make sure the people who do make me smile or give me a lot of support know that they are appreciated.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I'm a very normal person, as all my friends and particularly my flat mate will attest to! I dance around the house wearing trackies and ugg boots, I sing into my hairbrush to my favourite song, I undo the top button of my jeans when I've eaten too much! I can't go a day without eating chocolate… and you can ask me anything and I will answer you as best I can. I think I am very approachable, my personal email is on my website and I don't mind people getting in contact. If a tomboy can win Miss Australia, then I'm testament to the fact you can achieve whatever you set your heart on.