AGE: 25 | HEIGHT: 6'2" | HOMETOWN: EDMONTON, AB

Paula was born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, but currently lives in Edmonton. She is of Eastern Canadian and Aboriginal decent. Paula completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at the age of 22. Since then she has worked with First Nations communities as a Public Health Nurse, and additionally with elderly patients at a Rehabilitation hospital.

Paula values the importance of living a healthy lifestyle that encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance. She enjoys promoting confidence and positive choices in Aboriginal youth, particularly young women.

Some of Paula’s interests include reading, travel, exercise, music and modeling. She has participated in many fashion shows in support of local charities, and has volunteered at community events and gatherings. Paula is happy spending time with friends and family, but also appreciates the quietness of a hot bath, or baking in the kitchen.

Sponsored by: Hennessey Salon + Spa - Stylist Frances Ablack, Unique Classique, Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort, Drayton Valley Mohawk, Homer's Hut, Lorne Shandro, Ms B's Family Restaurant, KAJ Clothing, Svitlana Custom Made Dresses, Good Shepherd Community School, Aboriginal Nurses Association, Sgwe Productions, Moby Disc Productions, Patricia Piche Contemporary Fashion Designs, Kelly Madden Ready to Wear Custom Designs, Dougie & Donnie Rain, Perfect Storm Singers, Tony Alexis, Amanda Clark, LUX Beauty Boutique, A.J. Photographics, edVenture Arts Inc., Our Pleasure, Paul First Nation, Earls Port-A-Weld, Ginger Apparel, Head Case, Sana Cosmetic Dental, Ermineskin Primary School, Edible Arrangements, Northern Exposure Photography, Miller Music, Berna Beaulieu, Floc Boutique, Family and Friends.


 

ARE YOU CURRENTLY EMPLOYED? IF YES, WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?
Yes. I am a Registered Nurse. I work full time as a public health nurse in First Nations communities. I also work part time at a Rehabilitation hospital.

HAVE YOU COMPLETED UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE? IF YES, WHERE?
Yes, I graduated in 2005 from the University Of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN).

LANGUAGES SPOKEN FLUENTLY (PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE IF ENGLISH IS NOT YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE)
English

IN WHAT SPORTS, IF ANY, HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN EACH SPORT?
I was in gymnastics for 3 years as a young girl, and I played basketball and volleyball when I was in junior high school. I enjoy playing sports casually, and I also like to exercise on an individual basis, whether it's going to my local gym, or working out at home. Physical fitness is important to me because it makes me feel good in both mind and body.

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.
1) 2001 High School Diploma, Father Mercredi High School, Fort McMurray, AB.
2) 2005 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Degree, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.

WHAT CHARITY/CHARITIES HAVE YOU SUPPORTED WITH YOUR TIME AND/OR RESOURCES OVER PAST TWO YEARS?
I have participated in many fashion shows in support of charities such as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Edmonton Humane Society, and Bissell Centre. I also have made donations to Goodwill, and Santas Anonymous.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR "DREAM JOB" IN LIFE?
My dream job is to be part of a team at a holistic health clinic, where people come for retreat, education and enrichment for a healthful life with balance and longevity.


NAME ONE PERSON, OTHER THAN YOUR PARENTS, WHO HAS HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE? WHY?
My late grandmother is one person that has had special influence on my life. She worked in health promotion in her community for many years, and went to school at the age of 65 to get a certificate as a Community Health Representative. She believed in the power of prayer and always had a positive attitude about life and the people around her.

WHAT IS THE PROUDEST PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT (OTHER THAN BEING IN THIS OR ANY OTHER BEAUTY PAGEANT COMPETITION)
When I was 14 years old my mother died in a car accident. Although it was a difficult time, I was able to help care for my dad and brothers, work part time, graduate from high school and later move to another city to finish my Nursing degree and purchase my first home. Despite the hardship of losing my mother, I am proud that I have been able to make positive choices for myself. I am grateful for the experiences in my life so far because they have led me to where I am today, and I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER AMBITION AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING OR PLAN TO DO TO ACCOMPLISH THAT GOAL?
Eventually I would like to go back to school to pursue Naturopathic Medicine. I have researched some of the programs that are offered locally and nationally. The more I learn about alternative health, the more I'm interested in working as a practitioner in the field. I have also received assessments and treatments from alternative therapists and I believe in their benefit.

DESCRIBE WHERE YOU WERE RAISED AND WHAT YOUR CHILDHOOD WAS LIKE.
I was born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta. I am the middle child between two brothers. As a girl I liked playing with dolls, and wearing my mom's high heels. I also learned how to ride a dirt bike and snowmobile, and would tag along with the boys on their trail rides. Some of my best memories as a child were the summer road trips and vacations we took as a family. I remember camping a lot, going white water rafting, and visiting family in other provinces.

LIST ANY INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL JOBS YOU MAY HAVE HAD.
My first job was when I was 10 years old delivering the local newspaper around the block where I lived. After that I had jobs babysitting, in restaurants, and at Wal-Mart. Working in these environments helped me to interact with many different people as well as learn values of responsibility, and independence.

LIST ANY VOLUNTEERING YOU HAVE DONE.
I have volunteered at Hope Mission (helping homeless & low income individuals & families), Dreamcatcher Aboriginal Youth Conference, Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage (a gathering of all nations for spiritual retreat), and the Esquao Awards (recognizing Aboriginal women).

WHERE IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN?
One of the most interesting places I've been was an English palace dating back to the 1500's. I found the artful detail in the tapestry, carvings, paintings, and architecture so fascinating. It's incredible to think of the creative resources and skill that were required to make such beautiful history.


WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER CONTESTANTS?
I am unique from the other contestants because I am living my own unique life. My life experiences have brought me to this point where I feel more confident and capable than ever before. As a competitor, my main competition is to be true to myself, which means choosing to maintain an honest, kind, and grateful attitude.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF/IN LIFE?
I believe that every person is on a path of discovery. The choices we make when faced with challenges and opportunities shape the person we are meant to be. Life is precious, and there is so much to learn from each other, the environment, and most importantly, ourselves.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE DOING IN 10 YEARS?
Wherever I may be in 10 years, I hope to be doing something that gives me fulfillment and that has a positive influence on the people around me. Perhaps I will be working in holistic health, or maybe I will be starting to raise a family. Most importantly, I hope to have the courage and strength to follow my instincts and make the most of the journey along the way.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU? SOME INTERESTING THING ABOUT YOU?
- Something that other people have told me is that I am a good listener and I have a calming effect on those around me.
- I was awarded 'Healthiest Person' from one of the communities I've worked in.
- I enjoy baking, and I make the best bannock, and banana bread that some people have ever tasted.
- My travels outside Canada include: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Las Vegas, England, and Egypt.

 


2009 Contestant Gallery © 2009 A 'Beauties of Canada' Production HOME