ARE YOU CURRENTLY A STUDENT? IF YES, WHERE? AREA OF STUDY:
I am a second year pre law student attending the University of Toronto (St. George Campus) working towards my Honours B.A specializing in Political Science.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY EMPLOYED? IF YES, WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?
I am a full time student and seasonally employed at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario as a beverage cart server. I have held this position for the past 3 summers due to top sales.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED SECONDARY SCHOOL? IF YES, WHERE?
I am a 2006 Ontario Scholar and Grade 12 Honours Student at Huron Heights Secondary School in Newmarket, Ontario. In addition, I received high distinction Dramatic Arts certificate through the regional arts program Arts Huron.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE? IF YES, WHERE?
I will be completing my Political Science Specialist Undergraduate Degree by 2010 at the University of Toronto. Following this, I would like to work towards completing the Juris Doctor Law Degree through the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Law.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED ANY TECHNICAL/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL?
IF YES, WHERE? WHAT SUBJECT?
No
LANGUAGES SPOKEN FLUENTLY (PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE IF ENGLISH IS NOT YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE)
English
Currently learning Spanish
LIST ANY SPECIAL TRAINING YOU HAVE HAD (MUSIC, ART, DRAMA, DANCE, ETC).
- Competitive Level Dressage (Equestrian Sport)
- Singing
- Piano
- Acting (Theatre and Film)
- Competitive Level Dancing (Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern)
- Golfing
IN WHAT SPORTS, IF ANY, HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN EACH SPORT?
- Elite Athlete training in the equestrian sport of Dressage. I trained at the FEI (Federation Equestrian International) level however, I competed nationally. I have been riding horses since the age of 2. I am a proud owner of a German bred Westphalian warmblood horse trained up to Prix St. George level. Both this horse and I were silver medal recipients of the Dressage Canada Rider and Horse Achievement Awards. In addition, I was also the recipient of the Lauren DiLanni Memorial Fund award which is given to riders who display excellence in the freestyle competition.
- I am also an avid golfer. I very much enjoy the challenges that each game presents as well as the dedication, precision and drive it takes to sculpt one's swing.
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 attend the University of Toronto and my studies are specializing in Political Science. I will be graduating in 2010.
WHAT CHARITY/CHARITIES HAVE YOU SUPPORTED WITH YOUR TIME AND/OR RESOURCES OVER PAST TWO YEARS?
- I volunteered many years for the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life Fundraising Drive. The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. This is a 12 hour overnight opportunity to get together with family and friends to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and to fight back in the hope of finding a cure to this terrible disease. It's an opportunity to make a personal contribution and to take action!
- I am presently involved through Beauties of Canada in organizing a charitable fundraiser in support of providing housing projects and family based care in Nicaragua. This charity SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental social development organization, which has been active in the field of children's needs, concerns and rights. Working alongside SOS Children's Villages is the ANF (American Nicaraguan Foundation) which supports programs and projects that improve the quality of education, nutrition, healthcare and housing available to Nicaragua’s poorest communities.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR "DREAM JOB" IN LIFE?
- Miss Universe Canada is the ultimate dream job. This is a unique opportunity to go beyond expectations, to embrace challenges and to use initiative for the betterment of others. Here lies the chance to be a positive role model, to set an example and to be a proud ambassador of the Canadian spirit. Having such a platform to work from provides the opportunity for reaching out, being approachable and speaking on behalf of the young, old, sick, healthy, disadvantaged or the underprivileged. It is also the chance to uphold and set an example of the professionalism and responsible role modeling nature of Canadian Pageantry in society and abroad.
- Eventually I would also like to become a goodwill ambassador working for the United Nations for international relations regarding peace and conflict resolution.
NAME ONE PERSON, OTHER THAN YOUR PARENTS, WHO HAS HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE? WHY?
A role model of mine is Montreal based lawyer and judge Louise Arbour. She is the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and as well as the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals investigating war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda Genocide. In addition, she was made a Companion to the Order of Canada in 2007 "for her contributions to the Canadian justice system and for her dedication to the advancement of human rights throughout the world". Louise Arbour has inspired in me the quest for excellence, a thirst for knowledge and the pursuit of justice and equality for all.
WHAT IS THE PROUDEST PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT (OTHER THAN BEING IN THIS OR ANY OTHER BEAUTY PAGEANT COMPETITION)
My proudest personal accomplishment took place at the 2001 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair - Cavalcade of Horses. At the age of 13, I was asked to present a clinic and run an exhibit on "starting the young horse for work under saddle". I was the youngest clinician ever in the history of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (79 years) to conduct, teach and present numerous clinics to a large captive audience. I was also given an award of excellence regarding my presentations.
WHAT IS YOUR CAREER AMBITION AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING OR PLAN TO DO TO ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL?
Working in the field of international and human relations, I hope that my career may lead me in a direction to outreach, inspire and create positive change. Having a rich education in Political and Legal studies will further enable me to become a voice for the voiceless. With that being said, I believe it is important to be actively involved with charitable organizations. Bridging the differences between men and women, cultures, religions and countries is the foundation of my career ambitions.
DESCRIBE WHERE YOU WERE RAISED AND WHAT YOUR CHILDHOOD WAS LIKE.
I feel fortunate to have grown up in the rolling hills of Caledon, Ontario. Living in the country has inspired a love for nature, animals and the environment. Many of my interests and hobbies are based out of the country lifestyle. However, being located just an hour north of Toronto, has given me the opportunity to understand, explore and love the cultural aspects and diversity of the city life. Family has played a significant role in my character development as a young woman. Through my mom I have learned happiness, patience and giving of yourself expecting no return. My father has taught me to be a leader, to take responsibility and to be held accountable for my actions as well as the importance of unconditional support. My grandfather has encouraged a strong work ethic and to value the meaning of family. While my grandmother has taught me perseverance, strength and to face adversity with dignity. Finally through my horse the value of friendship, the meaning of goal setting, the dedication to sport and working as a team has shaped my fundamental being.
LIST ANY INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL JOBS YOU MAY HAVE HAD.
In the summer months, I work at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Caledon, Ontario as a beverage cart server. It is such a pleasure to work outside and to be in touch with nature. This particular job has been beneficial in developing my business skill set. I have been able to improve my interpersonal skills through networking, sales and marketing techniques. Customer service and satisfaction are paramount to the success of my serving style. Positive, outgoing, friendly, approachable, excellent rapport with customers and always striving for top sales is my trademark. Not to mention, I get to work on my golf game.
LIST ANY VOLUNTEERING YOU HAVE DONE.
- I am leading interactive peer workshops for secondary and elementary students. Help Increase the Peace (HIPP) is an interactive peace program which builds bridges across cultural and racial barriers. These workshops focus on peer harassment, bullying and violence prevention, social skills and counselling.
- Peer mediator, peer leader and peer helper at Huron Heights Secondary School.
- Peer tutoring for drug and alcohol prevention workshops.
- Trade show representative and clinician for Equestrian Breeds of the World at the Royal Winter Fair
- Guest freestyle performer for the International Jousting Association - Canada.
WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN?
I had the wonderful opportunity to represent Canada at the Reinado Internacional del Cafe 2009 Pageant held in Manizales, Colombia. I placed in the top 10. It is such a beautiful country and the people there are so welcoming! This experience has inspired me promote tourism to Colombia here in Canada. This country has so much to offer with its breathtaking scenery, natural wonders, highly spirited culture and annual fairs/ festivals. It truly is the land of adventure! Come experience the diversity in landscape from the mountains to the tropics or even the jungle! Colombia is a place of authentic tradition, vibrant character and is the world's center for coffee growing and production. Viva Colombia! Muchas gracias al pueblo de Colombia por hacer este viaje y experiencia inolvidable!!
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER CONTESTANTS?
Having a commanding stage presence and possessing excellent oratory skills I am able to communicate effectively. Always wanting to do my best, I am a diligent student/ worker who approaches every situation, contact or relation with the utmost professionalism. I am always researched and prepared. Grace, elegance, discretion, manners, kindness and being respectful are traits I hold high.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF/IN LIFE?
To be passionate one must first learn to be compassionate. To understand, relate and fight for the causes close to your heart.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE DOING IN 10 YEARS?
I plan to have completed by JD Law Degree and to be a practicing human rights lawyer. In addition, I would like to work for the United Nations, to write a book on my experiences and to represent Canada in the Olympics for the sport of Dressage.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU? SOME INTERESTING THING ABOUT YOU?
I inherited a photogenic memory from my great grandfather. This has been most useful for studying purposes. In addition, I possess excellent memorization skills. I also have a very good sense of humour. Lastly, I have a knack for accents.
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