Are you currently a student? Yes
If yes, where? I am a student at the Schulich School
of Business-York University
Area of study: specializing in accounting
Are you currently employed? No
Have you completed secondary school?
If yes, where?
Yes, I attended Cardinal Carter Catholic High School,
Aurora Ontario
Have you completed university/college?
If yes, where?
No, I am finishing my third year of a four-year university
degree.
Have you completed any technical/professional
school? No
Languages spoken Fluently (please include
your native language if English is not your native language)
English, Polish
In what sports, if any, have you participated
and how long have you participated in each sport?
When I was younger I played volleyball for about two
years. Furthermore I danced for approx 2 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.
Schulich School of Business - York University, I am
in my third year working on chartered accounting requirements.
After graduating I will receive a bachelor of business
administration.
What charity/charities have you supported
with your time and/or resources over past two years?
I have worked with children with disabilities in the
best buddies program as well as in the safe haven residences.
I have also spent my time working independently with the
homeless.
What would be your "dream job"
in life?
To obtain a senior position in a financial institution
or firm that is dedicated to corporate social responsibility.
In receiving a high ranking in such a company, I would
have the available resources to fund projects in developing
countries. For example, I could outsource sections of
a Canadian company to Africa or the Dominican Republic
in hopes of improving their local economies.
Name one person, other than your parents,
who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
The CFO of the Royal bank of Canada - Janice Fukakusa.
After reading her biography, I had the chance to meet
with her to discuss her experience of being a woman and
climbing the corporate latter dominated by males. Her
success as "one of the most prominent women in banking",
has inspired me to pursue a similar career goal. Not only
is she a good role model to women in business, she has
dedicated her time and resources to many charities and
organizations.
What is the proudest personal accomplishment
(other than being in this or any other beauty pageant
competition)?
The definition of accomplishment is very subjective.
Some people consider it to be musical and artistic talents,
or athletic skills, which they all are. I however, consider
my most important achievement to be my own personal growth.
This is no more evident than in my work with children
with special needs in a program called Best Buddies. Not
only is it extremely humbling and rewarding to be integral
and an active part in providing these children with directions,
witnessing their amazing outlooks on things, but it is
within this context that I can also maximize my own potential
for personal growth in a number of different areas.
The
development and progress of these children is rewarding
enough, but as well is compounded by the bonus of having
the rare opportunity to acquire the transferable skills
such as leadership, teamwork, and responsibility; that
are all essential to my success, as it was proven when
these skills helped me in my duties as the Student Council
President. The realization of the value of the resources
that are available to me, and the contribution to my personal
growth is the biggest achievement I can ever make.
What is your career ambition and what
are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My goal is to be an independent and successful woman
in business and to use that success for the betterment
of others. Although businesses in North America have evolved
and diversified their employment, there continues to be
a glass ceiling for women in the business and economic
sector. I am currently attending one of the most competitive
business schools in Canada and working hard to achieve
academic excellence. I believe that this, coupled with
my extra-curricular and charity work will allow me to
obtain the experience necessary to accomplish my goals.
Describe where you were raised and what
your childhood was like.
I was raised in a small town near Krakow Poland. I
enjoyed spending time with relatives and being surrounded
by the people I loved. When I was 5 years old my parents
decided to immigrate to Canada. This transition was very
difficult for me. Till this day I remember missing my
family and friends back home. Shortly after moving to
Canada, I began school. Due to language barriers, I had
problems meeting friends and at times felt very lonely.
I became very shy and concentrated on my schoolwork rather
than developing a social network. Although this was a
difficult time for me, I think that it helped to develop
intellectually. Furthermore, I increasingly appreciate
the importance of friendships in ones life.
List any interesting or unusual jobs
you may have had.
I like to seize all opportunities and involve myself
in different jobs. Since the age of 14, I have had part-time
jobs of all sorts! I have worked at a local pharmacy,
a restaurant, a bank, and a golf course and have even
started my own business. In each of these jobs I was able
to meet a variety of people and learn from them.
List any volunteering you have done.
I was the founder and president of the best buddies
program at Cardinal Carter Catholic High School and have
continued to work with children with disabilities over
the years. I have also volunteered at the Luminato Arts
Festival in Toronto and became the festivals "ambassador
host". I am currently involved in my school in the
women in leadership organization and the York Investment
Club as a junior analyst.
Where is the most interesting place you
have been?
I was lucky to have had the opportunity to travel
to Asia this past summer. This was a life changing experience.
I got to spend time with 50 girls from all over the world
as well as experience the Chinese and Korean cultures
- I couldn't believe how different/amazing Asia was!
What makes you unique and different from
the other contestants?
I am not a model nor have I ever been in a pageant
before. I am flattered to have qualified for such a competition.
Although much of the competition involves the beauty aspect
of each candidate, I am most excited for the opportunities
that come with meeting and getting to know the other contestants.
What is your philosophy of/in life?
Seize the day- involve yourself in as many different
activities as possible. Each new experience you have and
each new person that you meet allows you to grow as an
individual.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
I hope to be on track with my career goals (as stated
above). I would also like to start a family and teach
my children by good example. At the same time, i want
to continue to work with children with disabilities and
be an active member of the community.
Is there anything you would like to tell
us about yourself? Something unique that has happened
to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I love comedy. Making jokes, even at my own expense is
a specialty of mine.