Role Model: Symantha Perkins

Name: Symantha Perkins
Age: 37
Occupation: Journalist/Mum

Symantha lives by the Ghandi creed of "Be the change you want to see in the world". She does not believe in sitting back and waiting for life to happen to you. Go out and grab it for yourself. Having spent the first part of her career in TV newsrooms where, despite her talent for the job, she found that her body type was a constant source of criticism. Instead of focusing on the negative, she called up Ghandhi's words and did something about it. Fed up with the media's obsession with "fashion waifs" and "pretzel thin" models, she signed up to BGM agency and became a size 14 model as a mum of 2 kids at 30 years of age.

She says: "On my first shoot I was so scared and worried people would laugh at me, but being a positive role model for women of all shapes and sizes made it all worthwhile. I never looked back."

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
When I was a teenager I never wanted to BE anybody else but did admire some people. My grandmothers taught me to cook, sew and knit. My Goong Goong (Chinese for grandfather) encouraged me to proud of my Asian heritage, even though back in the '70s nobody else at primary school knew what Tofu was. My Dad passed on the love of learning and my Mum inspired me to read everyday. Collectively my family told me I could do or be anything I put my mind to.

How did your role model/s help you?
I consider belonging to a close knit, culturally diverse family and having the privilege of living by their example a treasured gift. Growing up, and even now as a mother myself, I always have someone to talk to about any problems or dreams in my life. A supportive family helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to stand by my principles even in the face of adversity. My grandfather, Eddie is 86, and still works to help Chinese immigrants come to Australia for a better life. He likes to quote Confucius and always tells me, "Choose a job that you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life."

What role or influence do you think role models have?
Role models are important people within our community and have a responsibility to be honest and set examples. It's not always easy to do or say the right thing, but role models should strive to inspire others by showing the best of themselves. Of course, nobody is perfect and we all have bad days but I believe holding the position of role model is a privilege.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
I was petrified of public speaking as a teen and although I didn't have trouble making friends I didn't always feel confident or popular. Like most teens I worried a lot about what other people thought of me and sometimes even now as an adult I can be a bit over sensitive.

How did you overcome these issues?
It's been a long journey to face some of my personal demons and one that I wouldn't say is over yet. It's hard to speak out against a trend or address a large crowd but it's the challenge I set myself in my early twenties. I've definitely improved and enjoy some of the things, like public speaking, that used to frighten me. Practice makes perfect. Just because you weren't good at a subject in school doesn't mean you'll be stuck with that for life. By setting yourself goals and working hard you can overcome any obstacle.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
Hmmm, catching the train home after school, tuckshop, sleep overs with friends and being pretty carefree about the world. I'm always telling my own 3 kids not to wish their childhood away because it's such a precious time in your life.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
Having strong ethics and being honest are probably two attributes that create an engaging public speaker. I've worked really hard to become more confident in my delivery. It's good to have strong opinions but you've also got to listen to other people or you'll never grow as a person.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
My 3 kids Georgia (11) Harry (9) and Charlie (3) are the absolute love of my life and my greatest achievements. Career success is rewarding but for me nothing can ever beat family and I feel so blessed to be a Mum and wife to my husband Kieren.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
Yes, I'm a patron for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and I support The Starlight Children's Foundation. I also help create awareness of people suffering chronic pain.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential...
Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything. Don't let other people limit your potential or tell you something can't be done. There's always a first for everything.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
The most important values in my life are family, faith, friends and then career. If you are not happy in your personal life and don't have a good support network the rest of your life will not measure up. Nobody achieves success alone and it's crucial to respect and love the people who help us realise our dreams.

Why do you think you make a good role model?
There are so many pressures on women these days to be "superwoman" and frankly she's a cartoon character and an impossible standard to live up to. I aim to provide a real image of modern women. Like many ladies I'm struggling to juggle career, motherhood and self image. But if I can inspire someone to smile and feel good when she looks at herself in the mirror then it's all worthwhile and hopefully I'm a good role model.