“I’m the first ACT girl to get this far, so they said they would like me to be the first to have a sash saying I’m the ACT representative, even though I entered through NSW,” she says.

“So when the girls walk out from WA, NSW or wherever, I will be walking out totally on my own. I’m really proud to be able to represent Canberra and do the best I can.”

Ex-Daramalan student Ruby is one of nine NSW finalists in Miss Universe Australia, among 30 girls nationally, and the 20-year-old says she’s thrilled to have made it to this stage of the competition.

“At the event in Sydney, they didn’t announce my name along with the other girls, so I was telling myself to look gracious, accept it,” she says.

“In my head I was planning that I’d just go home and eat Thai food, but then they said: ‘Just kidding, there’s one more girl…’ and announced my name!

“It definitely made me more excited as it was so unexpected.”

Ruby tried out along with more than 1000 girls nationally, and now there are just 30 Australian girls left in the competition, with the winner to be announced on June 5.

“I’m proud to have got this far, as it’s a really long process,” she says.

“I think it’s helped with my confidence, and made me feel more self-assured in who I am. I’m really enjoying everything about it so far.”

The publicity from being in the finals has also secured Ruby a modelling contract with Chic Management in Sydney.

“The competition has brought me so much already, and I’m thrilled to have my first modelling contract,” she says.

“My boyfriend is a personal trainer, so I’ve been asking him to make me fit – but I’m not the biggest fan of exercise.

“He tells me he can’t help if I don’t actually get up and exercise, but I need an incentive first, like the promise of getting a coffee afterwards!”

Currently studying Media Communications at UNSW and living in Clovelly, Ruby says she’s keen on a career in broadcast journalism, following a work-experience stint at Channel 10.

“I’d like to go into presenting, so hopefully the public speaking involved in Miss Universe Australia will help prepare me for that,” she says. “It’s daunting at first but I’m getting used to it.”

Ruby says she has thus far forbidden her parents from watching her compete in the competition, as she gets too nervous and shy. However, she’s on the fence as to whether she will be happy to have them there for the finals.

“They’re all really proud though, and mum has been putting pictures of me all over her social media,” she says. “I competed last year, but only made it to the state finals, so it’s pretty exciting.

“I’m hoping to at least get top 10, as it can open so many doors.”

The final of Miss Universe Australia will be held in Melbourne on Friday, June 5. Follow and support Ruby on Instagram at rubyroseschofield