Getting To Know TERESA YUOL - Miss Grand South Sudan 2016. Unique. Passionate. Proud.

I was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and moved to Australia when I was 10 years old. I lost my parents in the war and was raised by my auntie until I moved to Australia with my cousins. Growing up without parents has always been challenging but I never let it stop me. I am a passionate individual with the desire to help others to believe in themselves and that has been the reason why I was lucky enough to be asked to represent South Sudan at Miss Grand International. 

In early August this year I competed in Miss Grand and Miss Supranational Australia and became a 1st runner up. I didn't realize that the national director of Miss Grand South Sudan was following my journey and saw a potential in me so she got in contact with Australia's national director. This was an opportunity not to pass and I am very proud to be representing South Sudan. 

 

If I were to invite my friends to South Sudan I would invite them straight to Duk county. Duk county is where my parents were born. I felt in love with Duk when I first visited South Sudan. Duk county is made up of small villages but what makes it so special is the rich culture, the nature that surrounds the town, the green mountains, the white sand and the appreciation of  culture.  I would love to share all of that with my friends. 

To never compare yourself to someone else. In my first pageant I did not make it through to the national finals and I remember that day, I started to look for reasons to differentiate myself from others. It is not a good feeling and competing among 20 or more beautiful girls can be hard  but you have to be your own person. Love yourself because we are all different regardless.

 

Energetic, humble, caring and enthusiastic young person who is devoted to stand up for a good cause. High achiever and looking for opportunities to build herself up.

If I had the choice between fame or fortune I would choose fame. Money comes and goes but fame is a legacy that I would love to be remembered with. 

I would love to become a public speaker who advocates on behalf of people who are affected by the war and to be someone who shares her stories worldwide. 

Vogue magazine. I think it would be an amazing opportunity being on a cover of Vogue. Vogue is an international well-known magazine and who wouldn't want to be on the cover? 

I believe it is more important to be a good listener. Being aware in the moment, you're more likely to retain what you're hearing and to respond with more authenticity. 

I am in love with Bilbao. Bilbao is a city in northern Spain surrounded by beautiful mountains. There is something unique about the city, the culture, the atmosphere and the people. The architecture of the city is unique and that is why I fell in love with the city. 

I really admire Angelina Jolie. I like the way she carries herself with such a class and elegance. And most importantly, she has a strong voice in advocating on human rights.

"Oh my God! This is a dream come true!"

I wish I had longer eyelashes!

To never compare themselves to anyone because they are just as important as anyone in their own ways. To believe in themselves and know it is okay to be different because if we were all the same, the world would be boring. 

A knife to hunt for food and protect myself. A torch to be aware of my surroundings (there are too many wild animals!). A blanket to keep myself warm at night.

Five years from now I see myself in Africa or Southeast Asia working in the humanitarian sector. I see myself as advocate of "women at risk" and girls' education in Third World countries. 

TERESA WITH DANI FITCH, MISS GRAND AUSTRALIA 2016