Maria Mallon

Maria Mallon, (19) from Crumlin, has been selected as a finalist in the Face of Northern Ireland Beauty Pageant which takes place in the Bannville Country House Hotel on Thursday September 22.

Maria is studying at the University of Ulster Belfast where she has just completed a Fine Art Diploma and is about to begin a Design for Visual Communication Degree to be a Graphic Designer.

What do you like doing on your day off?
Head out for a drive with Lee (my boyfriend), maybe go to the cinema then more than likely end up in a pub somewhere.

If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be, where and why?
Any kind of Mexican food, anywhere and at any time. If it's spicy and wrapped in a tortilla, I will eat it.

What has been your proudest moment?
Recently, my illustration was chosen as the winning design in a competition for the Ulster University, where it will now be published and printed on welcome books for first-year foundation students.

How would you describe your taste in clothes?
Eclectic, vintage mix. I love my floral prints and pastel colours.

What would you do if you won a million pounds?
Pay off my student loan, take my family on holiday, then bank the rest and leave it there.

What music do you like?
I've a very strange taste - from musical theatre, Mumford and Sons, and jazz to 50's big band and swing music.

What sports person do you most admire?
No idea, I won't kid myself into thinking that I take any interest or know anything about sports.

Describe your best ever holiday. What would your dream holiday be?
My best ever holiday was a combined Orlando theme park and Caribbean cruise trip, it's yet to be replaced. I would love to see Asia, but also I would like to go back to America.

What is your greatest remaining ambition?
It will always be the same; to have a husband who I can love, a family which we can raise, and a career which I am happy in. I don't want excessive riches, just to be comfortable in life.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom would you choose?
Helena Bonham Carter.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
Lee, a guitar, and a sketchbook.

Favourite things

Car: VW Beetle
Film: Lord of the Rings/Big Fish/Forrest Gump
Comedian: Dara O'Briain
CD: Sigh No More
Book: Jane Eyre
Actor: Tom Hanks
Actress: Sutton Foster
Drink: Morgans

Ulster Star
16/09/2011