Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 23 | HEIGHT: 5'8" | HOMETOWN: OTTAWA, ON

Taryn was born in rural Quebec, and moved to Ottawa as a child. She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in International Management at the University of Ottawa.

She plans to pursue a Masters Degree in International Development, and wants to work with developing countries helping to establish an education system for underprivileged children.

Sponsored by: DooBee Systems Inc., Harris Rebar, Family and Friends.

Biography (click to open) ±

Taryn is a great proponent of Canada's charitable efforts in Africa, but believes that the most valuable thing we can contribute is our time. She hopes to teach English in Malawi after graduation. She currently has two sponsor children: Fatoumata, a young girl from Senegal and Nacy, a girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Taryn is also the owner of a goat that resides with an impoverished African family, helping them to become self-sufficient.

For many years Taryn has worked as a model and bartender. Recently, she was made the GM of a large Ottawa bar, responsible for overseeing operations and running a staff of 60 people. At the same time, she was also involved in a large marketing campaign for one of Ottawa's major malls, as the face of the Bayshore Shopping Center.

Taryn is very close to her family and loves to spend time cooking with her Italian father, aunt, and grandmother. In her rare time off she likes to play with her golden retriever, Munson. She loves children and looks forward to starting a family in the future. She practices yoga regularly, and loves swimming and camping. Her family and friends know her as an energetic, loving, compassionate, and funny woman, who is adventurous and very down-to-earth.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? If yes, where? Area of study:
University of Ottawa- International management

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Yes. Tailgators - Manager

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
Holy Trinity Catholic High School

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
English

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
Trained Lifeguard and Instructor

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
Soccer- 12 years
Competitive Swimming- 5 years
Track and Field- 3 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.
I am currently attending the University of Ottawa in my fourth year completing a Baccalaureate of Commerce with a specialization in International Management.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
I have sponsored two children through World Vision over the past three years.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
My dream job would be to work in international development in Africa, helping to develop a new education system. While I believe deeply in all of the generous charitable work Canada does, I think it's important to give our time as well as our money to ensure that we really understand the problem we are trying to fix. Large-scale political reform doesn't interest me; instead, I believe in the potential for a grass-roots revitalization of Africa, in which people can learn to be self-sufficient and live proudly free from the charity of more industrialized nations.

I am particularly interested in working with children, and ensuring that education becomes a standard for all children.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
My cousin Erin has had the most influence on my life. Erin and I are the same age, and grew up together as sisters. She is an inspiring and intelligent woman who radiates beauty inside and out. She has always supported me, and been there for me. I look up to her, and respect the advice she gives me. I love her deeply, and appreciate everything she has done for me.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
I am a full-time student and have worked part time as a bartender and model for many years. This past year I have helped open the largest sports bar and entertainment concept in Ottawa, Tailgators. I have been there since day one and helped to develop the business plan, the concept, the branding, the staff, and everything else in between! I was offered the position of General Manager; despite my already busy schedule, I accepted the challenge.

I put in endless hours, sacrificing sleep and free time to ensure that I made a success of the bar while keeping up with my academic obligations. I am commensurately proud of this display of energy, dedication, and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I would like to work in international development. After my degree I hope to continue my education with a masters in International Development.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Quebec and moved to Ottawa when I was six. The town I was born in, Deux Montages, has a population of only 15,000 and is dominated by francophone. My parents decided to leave and move to Ottawa, where there was great opportunity in their fields, nursing and engineering. I grew up in the suburbs, and had a typical idyllic childhood, filled with bike rides, soccer games and backyard barbeques.

I have a younger brother, and a very close-knit extended family, with cousins who are more like siblings. My family has traveled a lot, and the entire family gets together in the summer to spend time at the cottage. Growing up I was a tomboy and played lots of sports, including competitive soccer and swimming. I love animals, and have grown up with pet dogs, which are regarded as members of the family.

List any volunteering you have done.
I have volunteered with the Shepard's of Good Hope in Ottawa.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
The most interesting place that I have ever been is the Mayan ruins in Mexico. The ruins are fascinating and truly breathtaking.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
What makes me unique is that I am extremely trustworthy, loyal and sincere. I have been through a lot of things in my life, and have grown so much from it. I believe that the challenges and obstacles that I have had to face have made me into the person that I am today.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy in life is that everyone is created equal, with equal potential for greatness. Regardless of race, gender, nationality, or economic status, everyone is capable of doing exceptional things. It is our responsibility, as privileged citizens of an advanced, industrialized nation to ensure that less privileged people get the same opportunities to excel that we do.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be successful in my career, raising a family, and feeling like I am truly contributing to the world.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I have been trapped in fifteen elevators in my life, including the Tower of Terror at Disney World!