Heidi’s Jaca job application

Former South Grafton High School student Heidi Madsen decided she wouldn't make the best teacher and so instead she has entered the Jacaranda Queen Quest.

JOB READY: 2016 Jacaranda Queen candidate Heidi Madsen hopes the quest will help her career prospects while she becomes involved with the community. Picture: Adam Hourigan

THE 2016 Jacaranda Queen Quest could have been one big job application for former South Grafton High School student Heidi Madsen.

Ms Madsen, 20, has put her tertiary studies on hold two years into a technology and education degree.

"I worked out I wasn't really going to make a good teacher, so I'm looking at my options," she said.

Ms Madsen said a chance encounter with Meg Schubert at Suzanne Grae inspired her to enter the quest.

"I was looking around for work and we got talking and she suggested the Jacaranda Queen Quest," Ms Madsen said.

"She said it would be a really good way to get my face about in public and show potential employers what I was able to do."

She also believes it will help her overcome one of her big fears: speaking in public.

"I'm really a bit shy," she said. "When I was at school, I tried to convince my English teacher, Mr Hunt, to let me give any speeches in private.

"I never thought I would willingly give a speech in public, but now I'm entering in something where I will have to do it often."

A similarly chance encounter gained Ms Madsen her sponsor for the quest.

"I was in (bridal shop) Lasting Impressions talking to Leah Stevenson about dresses for the Jacaranda ball and other events and the conversation turned to sponsors," Ms Madsen said.

"Leah asked me if I had a sponsor. I didn't, but Leah said she might be sponsoring another girl but wasn't sure.

"A couple of days later she got back to me and asked if she could sponsor me."

Ms Madsen already has some ideas for fundraising for her quest.

"Sharni (Quest entrant Sharni Wren) and I are doing a Crispy Creme drive soon," she said.

"I also want to do a Mr Clarence Valley Quest to find the hottest guys in the Valley aged between 18 and 30.

"There'll also be a cinema under the stars night as well."

Originally published as Heidi’s Jaca job application