Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 18 | HEIGHT: 5'7" | HOMETOWN: MONTREAL, QC

Cynthia Ponari was born and raised in the city of Montreal, Quebec. Her Italian descent, combined with the cosmopolitan influence of the big city has allowed Cynthia to respect and appreciate the diversity all people contribute to our society.

The unpredictability that comes with living in a large city such as Montreal has equipped Cynthia with the ability to adapt and learn quickly to any challenges she is faced with.

Sponsored by: Rivalda Ceramic Tiles Inc., Video Super Chiox, Dr. Yvan Tesolin D.M.D., Le Salon Sugar, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Locally, Cynthia is an active participant in the community life. She has been involved in the annual fashion show for the Youth Leadership Center, participated in Make-A-Wish foundation fund raising events, helped raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation by walking, and was active in her school's variety shows. The combination of a tight-knit family life, and living with the fast life of the big city has imparted Cynthia with a deep sense of value and morals.

Cynthia has a DEP in Dental Assisting, and she is aspiring to continue her education in order to become a dental hygienist and teach the importance of proper oral health care. Additionally, she is fluent in three languages being English, French and Italian. Cynthia has a respect and appreciation for arts such as music and international dance.

Should Cynthia be crowned Miss Canada, she would use this opportunity to spread messages against irresponsible behaviors such as drunk driving and speeding on roads. She would also utilize the position to advocate against the abuse of children.

At 18 years old, Cynthia still acknowledges that she has much to learn about life, and she is ready for the challenge, as well as preparing to take on the challenges of being a young adult. Cynthia has been granted the opportunity to see many parts of the world, and with this knowledge, understands that there are several world views that exist, which now plays a large role in how she goes about understanding both people, and problems. Hard-working, ambitious and confident, Cynthia is also capable of enjoying both the fine and ordinary things in life.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? No

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Yes, I am a dental assistant.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
Yes I have. I completed my secondary school studies at Lester B. Pearson High School

Have you completed university/college? No

Have you completed any technical/professional school? If yes, where? What subject?
Yes, I attended the Pearson Adult Career Center and successfully completed the dental-assistant program.

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

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
I have taken a course in gymnastics (more specifically Trapeze classes) and figure skating for 4 years.

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I played Soccer for 4 years; I figure skated for 4 years and I've been skiing since the age of 4.

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.
I have received my high school diploma from Lester B. Pearson High School and a D.E.P. (Diplôme D'études Professionnels) in dental assisting from the Pearson Adult Career Centre.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
I have supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Terry Fox fundraiser.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job would have to be a career as a surgeon. Surgeons rely on strategies, their own skill, confidence, and their judgment. These are traits that can be brought into life. We must go into life with a strategy, be confident in our skills, and trust our judgment. Surgeons also have the ability to give a person a second chance at life and thus help mold the world one life at a time.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
The person that had the most influence on my life was my grandmother. My grandmother changed my outlook on the world by teaching me the most important lesson in life. She thought me that respect was the most important form of exchange between people, and that in this world, being independent is the one way to distinguish oneself from the crowd. The importance of knowing that in our independence, lies all of our values and uniqueness that govern our ability to make important choices, and with this ability, comes the power to change the world for good.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
My proudest personal achievement was becoming a coordinator for the community Youth Leadership Centre's fashion show. Being in this position has empowered me with the responsibility and the power to take an active leadership role and inspire young people that they can achieve more than what they could have imagined and to never lose hope.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
Right now, my position as a dental-assistant is crucial to gaining experience and knowledge in the field of dentistry. Eventually, I aspire to go back to college in order to continue my studies and become a dental hygienist.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in an Italian family in a borough of Montreal called Rivieres-Des-Prairies. My family life was always very stable, my parents always had an excellent relationship and they provided me with everything I needed. My family backed me up on everything I did and always gave me the emotional support I required. My grandparents also had a large presence in my life in terms of teaching me about my culture and sharing their wisdom about life. Many friends always surrounded me and I always had methods of letting my imagination and creativity with other people.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I grew up working in my parent's video store on the weekends. Working with the public was a great experience. You get to meet new people everyday, get to know them on a personal level. It was a fun job and as an additional perk, I got to watch movies all day long.

List any volunteering you have done.
I have volunteered my time and effort to the local church. In particular I helped in the sponsorship of the Youth Leadership Center in order for them to raise funds to keep the establishment sustained. I have volunteered at the Santa-Cabrini Hospital working on the geriatrics floor. Essentially, I spent time with the patients there and spoke to them and helped out the staff with little tasks.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
The most interesting place I've been to would have to be the various Islands in the Caribbean. I have been fortunate enough to have gone on two cruises to the Caribbean with my family and have seen about 13 islands. What's amazing is how all the islands look the same and are situated in proximity to each other, and yet every island is extraordinarily unique in every aspect. Their cultures, society, language and customs are incredibly diverse. It was truly a memorable experience to see the many differences within such a small area of land.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
My strength and individuality is based in my simplicity. I'm young, and I don't ever take my confidence too far. I never let my ambition and strengths get in the way of my ability to learn from my mistakes.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
In the wide scope of the world, we are just one person. However every person has the capability to lead and change the world.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
10 years from now I hope, professionally, to have completed my education and be working as a dental hygienist and on a personal note, I would love to see myself married and starting a family.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I always try to do my best and tend to put my family and friends' needs before mine. I am down to earth, I enjoy the simple things in life and when I make other people happy, it fills me with a great sense of joy and purpose.