Are you currently a student? Yes, I am currently a student.
If yes, where? I am in my final year at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Area of study: I am pursuing an Honours Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Psychology and a Minor in French. I am also working towards a Certificate in French Language Teaching and Learning (C.F.L.T.L.)

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Yes, I work part time in the federal government (Public Service Commission of Canada) as operations support in the Personnel Psychology Center (Director General's Office).

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
Yes, I completed secondary school (St. Pius X High School) in 2003 with high honours. I also received a scholarship to the university of my choice that year.

Have you completed university/college? If yes, where?
No, I have not yet completed university. I will be graduating in June 2008.

Have you completed any technical/professional school? If yes, where? What subject?
No, I have not completed any technical/ professional school.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
I can speak, read and write in English, French and Italian.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
Piano: I played the piano for 10 years. I was very fortunate to be taught by Marion Hewitt (mother of award winning, internationally renowned pianist, Angela Hewitt).
Italian folklore dancing: I danced for 11 years at many local events with my dance group.
Tap/ Jazz dancing: I danced for 8 years at Greta Leeming dance studio in Ottawa.

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I have been participating in aerobics for the past 4 years.

Please list any schools and universities (public/private/graduate/trade or technical) you have or are attending, as well as the area of study, graduation date and any degree or certification you received.
Ottawa: St. Pius X High School (graduated with high honours in June 2003)
Ottawa: Carleton University Currently in my final year majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Psychology and a Minor in French. I will also be receiving a Certificate in French Language Teaching and Learning (C.F.L.T.L.) (Graduation Date June 2008).

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Over the years, I have donated my time and effort to a number of different organizations and charities including: the Easter Seals Society and the Annual Cheo Teddy Bear's Picnic, Villa Marconi (retirement home), St. Augustine's Elementary School.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My "dream job" in life would be to model in Rome, Italy. Fashion is truly my greatest passion.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
An individual other than my parents who has had the most influence on my life is my oldest sister Marianna. We are 9 years apart. My sister is always there for me. In fact, i often refer to her as my "angel sister." There is nothing she wouldn't do for me. Whether it's lending a helping hand for school or a word of encouragement when things don't go as they should… I can always count on her being there…

She provides guidance, support and most of all her love. Ever since my dad passed away she does her best to help my family. There is pretty much nothing she hasn't had to deal with and she always remains happy and optimistic that everything will be fine… She is a wonderful role model to my family and me and I love her very much.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)
There are many things in my life I account as worthy accomplishments, and moments that I take great pride in. My proudest personal accomplishment, however, has been maintaining my university scholarship (and being on the Dean's List) for 4 years.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to become a Supreme Court judge. I want to work in an area where I can make a positive difference in peoples lives.
In order to accomplish this goal, I am currently completing an Honours Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Psychology and a Minor in French. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to go on to law school.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Ottawa, a small town in Eastern, Ontario. I lived in an area surrounded by other Italian families like mine. My parents were hardworking but always made time for their family. I have so many wonderful memories: family trips to Italy, afternoon picnics near home, etc. The most important thing in our home was the love and respect we had for one another.

I knew that when i came home my parents were always there to take care of me. My parents shared with us many important traditions and values that were passed on to them from their parents. I also spent a lot of time with my grandparents, which provided endless memories, and many guiding principles that have served to be so important in my life's decisions.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
One of the most interesting jobs that I had was in the Crown's office (at the Provincial Offences Court) in Ottawa. I 'worked' there for about 10 months. A distinctive feature of the Criminology program at Carleton University is that it includes the opportunity for students (the top 80 applicants each year) to complete a field placement.

The experience provides for the development of professional skills and the integration of theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Wide ranges of placement opportunities are available. I was fortunate enough to get my first choice! Some of my duties there included: preparing files for court, screening files to determine which witnesses were needed and assessing the amount of time for trial, etc… It was one of the most amazing things I ever experienced in my entire life!!! Lots of fun and lots of hard work!

During my time there, i met numerous people, all of which have been very influential. These individuals were successful in balancing both a career and family life. They were every day citizens who understood the importance of having a secure place for today and the future generation.

List any volunteering you have done.
Over the years, I have volunteered for various charities and organizations including:
-(Currently) St. Augustine's Elementary School
-The Easter Seals Society,
-The Annual Cheo Teddy Bear's Picnic,
-Villa Marconi (retirement home),
-Ontario Court of Justice

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
The most interesting place I have ever been is definitely my father's hometown Montelapiano. It is a small Italian village in the region of Abruzzo. This small picturesque town means the world to me. It is where so many, many childhood memories began. I had traveled there so many times growing up since my father's parents lived there. Over the years I not only learned about the history and traditions of the region but I also met some wonderful friends whom I am still in close contact with. Many of them have moved to other cities and other countries but we all know where to meet to have a great time: spending all night eating, laughing and catching up on old times.

Montelapiano is a village full of history, traditions and culture and it holds a very important part in my heart. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to share and be a part of this special place.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I am a passionate and dedicated individual who strives for perfection and believes that hard work truly does pay off. I have always been a goal-oriented, self-motivated individual who is constantly trying to improve. Every challenge that I have accomplished has made me a stronger individual, and has given me a better understanding of who I am and who i want to be. I sincerely believe that my work is a reflection of myself, which is why i always give 120% in everything that I do. I am a very honest and caring individual. I never shy away from an opportunity to lend a hand for a good cause.

I am the kind of person who can get along with and make friends with anybody no matter what interests or backgrounds they have. I see something beautiful in everyone that I meet. I make a point of never pre-judging. I realize that everyone has something to offer to this world. I work very hard for the things that I believe in and love, and I will always stand up for a friend.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy of life is very simple: "If you can dream it, you can do it!!!!" - Walt Disney

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, i hope that I am married with 2 children. I also hope to be practicing law and doing a lot of traveling.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I would like people to know that I never judge others. I have a great understanding and appreciation for people from all backgrounds and situations. I never let appearances stop me from making a new friend.

I am a compassionate, committed and ambitious individual who embraces new challenges and strives for success in all that I do!