Are you currently a student?
I am currently taking a sabbatical from my university education to pursue other interests as well as prepare for a change of my program major. I plan to return to complete my undergraduate degree next semester.

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
I am employed with Lufthansa German Airlines, specifically based at the Toronto station. My position as a customer service agent allows me to interact with many new and well-known faces on a daily basis. Working at the airport is an active and diverse environment, which has been fodder to many networking opportunities.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
I attended Mentor College Private Collegiate for two years before I transferred to Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School where I completed my O.S.S.D with honours. The contrast of both schools offered me a very unique and memorable learning experience.

Have you completed university/college? If yes, where?
I have yet to complete my degree, however, I have accumulated three years of university experience studying psychology at the University of Toronto. That time spent propelled me into many extra curricular activities where I discovered the world of media and journalism.

Have you completed any technical/professional school?
To date I have not and it is my goal to enroll in a post-grad program to enhance writing skills after I have completed my undergraduate degree.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language
English was my first language while growing up, with a twist of German and Polish!

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
I am specially trained in lifesaving skills, whether it be water related emergencies or on land. This certification is a course I completed through Canadian Red Cross, when I was a competitive swimmer.

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I do consider myself something like a jock! I have always had an inner tomboy, so sports were my outlet for restless energy while growing up. I was a competitive swimmer for ten years and trained for downhill skiing for six years. Throughout high school I was called "Wings" for my quick moves as a winger on the varsity rugby team for four years. Rugby is still a sport that I love participating in as well as watching today.

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 attended McMaster University and the University of Toronto at Erindale while studying for a Psychology BA degree. Upon giving that field my best effort, I realized it was not a suitable career choice for my interests and passions in life.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
Princess Margaret Weekend to End Breast Cancer, Wal-Mart Walk For Miracles - I donated my proceeds to Sick Kids Foundation, Pride Parade, Canadian Cancer Society events, various Salvation Army clothing drives, Snowball 2008, Youth Out Loud Walk to Stop Child Sexual Abuse and War Amps.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
I aspire to a career in journalism and the media. This is because being immersed in the human experience and covering stories of life's miracles or downfalls would astound me daily. I personally admire and respect Barbara Walters, so when I achieve the longevity and status similar to her career, then I will be living my professional dream! My ideal career will allow me to travel the world and meet different people whom I can help to share their story on a broad scale. Journalists are fundamentally concerned with humanity, and are responsible for research and outreach. I want to be able to bring my insight and knowledge to this industry, and writing has always been a powerful tool in my life.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
For as long as I can remember, someone has held my admiration. It may sound cliché but there is only one truthful answer to that question. That person is my Omi (which is German for grandmother). She has impacted my life in many ways and is the most powerful woman I know. Everything she does is with such confidence and grace, while teaching me to hold my head high and respect myself.

She has offered an endless ear and an open heart to my relationship, friendship or life related questions. Most importantly, not through her words but by her manner and unspoken way of doing things, she has always set the example of the kind of woman I aspire to be. I'm sure many people are blessed enough to feel the same way; that their grandmother is the best one. But I have a sneaking suspicion that mine actually is…

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
I am most proud of those rare occasions where I end up learning something new about myself. To me the big achievement isn't in the finale but how I got there. I'm proud when I set out to do something that I was originally afraid or nervous about. For example, I went through a period where my core group of friends was not healthy for me. It's very difficult to move on from a situation that is easy and comfortable when you don't have a concrete reason. Identifying the issues and realizing how they hinder you is the first step to liberation. To realize that I hold the key to my happiness and no one else set me free of the restrictions I bound to myself.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambitions are plentiful! The only burning option is for me to work as hard as it takes to get a foot in the door to be seen and heard by the masses. The outlet to make this happen will be to have a career in journalism where I will have exposure to the media. How do I plan to accomplish this and how do I see it all falling into place? Firstly, I'll win the title of Miss Universe Canada 2008.

That will be the starting platform where I will meet industry related contacts, as well as experience all the hard work firsthand of the career I want to obtain. I'm excited to be going back to school to be trained in an area that I feel I've finally found my niche in. This will open many doors and prepare me for the work force. I also want to write a memoir novel of my experiences that I feel anyone could relate to. This project has been something that I have been working on for the past couple of years, writing about impacting moments in my life. I want to be a tremendous positive influence in the world one country at a time!

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Oakville, Ontario and raised as an only child. Artistic expression was always strongly encouraged in my house so I quickly became baby Picasso and Master of Ceremonies. My parents separated from a young age and my father passed away when I was thirteen years old. This taught me responsibility, hard work and the importance of family. I was deemed my family's star and it was important for me to live up to this role. I did this by creating smiles and laughter within my family during difficult times.

My childhood was full of exploration and encouragement to be the eccentric Vanessa I am today! I've realized that being an only child has kept me focused on my goals and developed a character who is fearless of critics. I follow the light I hold within and trust in my own instincts.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
When I was twelve, I attended a nation wide open casting call for a new YTV program. A children's comedy show called "Gag Me". It was a similar spin-off to the popular show "You Can't Do That on Television". I was chosen for one of the roles and excitedly worked through the summer, but the show was cancelled before the pilot even aired!

List any volunteering you have done.
I have volunteered for Children's Miracle Network, Pride Toronto, Canadian Cancer Society - Mississauga Unit, Casey House, Trillium Hospital - Emergency site, Heritage House retirement Home, Worldwide Short Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. My charity work is something that's important to me not only because it keeps me grounded and appreciative, but because I've made many valuable friendships through volunteering.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I have had the privilege to travel to many beautiful countries, however; the most interesting and personal place has been to Heilbronn, Germany. It's the city where my grandparents and father were born and the feeling of getting in touch with that part of your history is indescribable. I was able to see the same house and property my grandmother was raised in throughout her childhood. It was an important part of my journey because it was not something I was ever able to do with my father. The culture is apart of me and that particular trip completely broadened my horizons.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
My character is unique because over time it has become so diverse. I'm a dreamer and a doer, an introvert and an extrovert. I appreciate music by both Sinatra and Prodigy. These small examples are a window into the big picture of who I really am. That is someone who has the ability to relate to and understand people from all walks of life. I would rather experience what I don't understand and learn about it instead of opposing alternate ways of living or thinking.

I look for a resolution wherever there is conflict and I'm a believer in questioning what's hidden beneath the surface. After facing many challenges, I've utilized my lessons learned to keep me self aware of who I am, where I'm going and where I want to be.

A topic that I have a unique interest in is era-specific fashion and film icons. Some of my favourite eras are the 30's, 40's and 80's. I must admit that I love perusing second hand stores and markets for vintage jewelry, clothes, shoes or bags. The more worn in or aged the better, as it just adds character! I will never get enough of watching "I Love Lucy", James Bond films (Sean Connery was my favourite 007 agent) or Marilyn Monroe movies. I collect old DVDs and I have more films from before the birth of Technicolour then I do of today's movies. By contrast, I'm a connoisseur of modern music and I have a knack for remembering music and band facts.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy in life is to be open minded and connected to my surroundings by understanding them, not resisting them. I believe in creating karma, so I try to be kind and compassionate even when it's difficult. I feel I'm here to learn as much as possible so every new face I meet or new stage in my life is an opportunity to do so. In life, I believe the worst injustice you can do to yourself is to do nothing at all.

Take a chance, a risk and discover you are capable of anything great or small. I relate to the saying "If you grip sand tightly in one hand, it will quickly escape through the cracks". Nothing should be too forced and it is important to realize when a delicate approach is necessary. Most importantly, I choose to live an authentic life!

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In ten years I will be a household name. A successful woman who is known in the media, with a reputation for my humanitarian projects. I want to be at the birth of new ventures and to raise awareness about issues close to my heart, such as youth abuse support or education and literacy. I certainly hope to be a wife and mother when the time is right for me and that will be one of my biggest accomplishments. In ten years, I'll look back on my youth and be thankful that I never held back, took many chances for self-discovery, was a heartbreaker and heart broken, and I'll probably finally understand the comment, "I'm turning into my mother!"

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
A major part of my youth was spent poolside; hair caps and goggles were my pre-teen accessories of choice. In 1995 as a new swim year had begun, my coach and I were approached by talent scouts for Team Canada. They wanted me to train exclusively until I was slightly older to be a member of the team to represent Canada in the World Olympics.

My family and I quickly became excited, scared and proud with the news. I was sent home with forms and the paperwork to outline the responsibility. "Vanessa", my mother sat me down and said. "Do you understand what this means? Do you want to do this?" I wasn't ready as an eleven-year old for such a commitment and it didn't feel like me. My swimming hobby suddenly became something more like a career and I wasn't comfortable with the concept of living and breathing the sport. Once I decided to remain in the swim schedule I currently had, the buzz slowly wore off as time went by.

I still think of those days and where that opportunity could have led, however I would've missed out with other events that my life went on to experience. I may not have taken the chance to represent Canada then, but I've been brought back to a similar path again. This time I'm ready and I intend to make a big splash!