Where Are They Now
Jennifer Hawkins. Remember her? Well, she's halfway through her reign as Miss Universe. She was asked if she had any regrets, and she mentioned one:
Since winning the crown in June, the 20-year-old has taken up residence in Trump Towers in New York, and has spent the past six months travelling to India, Thailand and South America as an AIDS ambassador, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela and Richard Gere....
Six months in the job as Miss Universe has toughened Hawkins. "One thing I've learnt is not to believe what everyone says. They might have one face on, and they really mean another thing," she says. "I used to be very trusting, but people are really looking out for themselves. I've found that you have to watch your own back."
Hawkins has also learnt not to take her family for granted. She is very close to her parents, Gail and Robert, and three siblings, and has flown home to spend a traditional Christmas break with them. "Family is the most important thing," she says. "I just love them to bits."
On a practical note, she has overcome her fear of public speaking, and is now at ease delivering an impromptu speech....
What would you change?
"Umm . . . maybe safety pins on that skirt," Hawkins says, referring to her infamous wardrobe malfunction in September during a fashion parade in Sydney. Pictures of her well-toned bottom went around the world after her heel snagged on her skirt, sending it falling around her ankles....
In June, when her Miss Universe reign is up, Hawkins will return to Australia and concentrate on her television career. She recently signed a contract with Channel Seven to present a lifestyle show. Also on the agenda for 2005 is buying an apartment, relaxing, and spending time with her boyfriend Jake Wall....
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