Age: 20 | Height: 5’10″ | Saint-Jérôme, QC
Betsy started her studies at the University of Ottawa at age 16, and will graduate this June in Honours International Studies and Modern Languages. Born in Canada, Betsy was raised and educated in the National Capital Region of Ottawa/Gatineau, and spent a few years in Japan and China with her expatriate parents.
Her academic activities have taken her to Europe and the United States. Betsy is multilingual and has a passion for charity and volunteer work, in which she has been extensively involved.
She was selected as one of 15 students from across Canada to be a Senate Page on Parliament Hill. Betsy works as a Parliamentary Tour Guide in Ottawa, explaining the Canadian government institutions to visitors in both official languages.
She is a fashion model, and has supported various charities for hospitals and health research with her modeling agency.
She has received a number of awards and scholarships, such as the National Millennium Excellence Award, due to her community service, innovation, leadership and academic achievement. Through other government scholarships, she has also studied at Université Laval in Quebec City, and Universität Konstanz in Germany.
As a proud Canadian inspired by those who surround her, Betsy promotes Canadian cultural values which she believes are enhanced through education and community support. In the future, Betsy sees herself working on humanitarian and volunteer projects both at home and abroad, and becoming an Ambassador of Canada.
Sponsored by: BeaverTails Canada Inc., Free Form Fitness, Rachel Sin, Erica Wark, Barrett Palmer Models, Cantas Boutique, Chicshop, Emilia Torabi, The Loft and Spa, Shaun Marq, AHM Style, Family and Friends.
Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
English, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, (basic Spanish)
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be something that I am passionate about and that I love doing. I dream of becoming a professor in the field of political studies, head of an NGO, or ambassador of Canada one day, because I love working with people, and I would love to represent Canada. I am interested in understanding humanitarian aid and international organizations, and as ambassador or head of an NGO I would travel the world and contribute to making Canada a model for promoting literacy and education, and reducing poverty.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
1. English and French Teacher: I taught English and French in various private schools as well as Komaki municipality in Japan. Working as a teacher really developed my maturity and taught me how to encourage conversation and engage students, of all ages, both children and adults.
2. Executive Assistant at Nanchang University: I interned for the office of the president of Nanchang University in China. It was a real eye-opener to understand the educational system outside of Canada, and I also improved my mandarin.
3. Beavertails: I worked at a Beavertails stall on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa when I was 16! I spent my winter weekends in a shack making and serving Beavertails, a delicious Canadian pastry. I received the award of “Best Server” at my cabin for my enthusiasm and smile, and for giving out free hot chocolate to people who endured particularly hard falls on the ice.
4. Parliamentary Guide: I began working as a parliamentary tour guide the summer I was 17, and I work part-time during the school year. My task is to interpret and explain the workings of the House of Commons, Senate and Library to groups of up to 50 people while remaining impartial and diplomatic at all times. I love meeting new people and answering their questions about the government, politics and current events. In this way, I work as an “ambassador” of Canada. My job allows me to present information in both French and English, so it’s a great complement to my academic studies and life skills.
5. Senate Page: I was one of 15 students selected from across Canada to work as part of the Senate Page Program, which was a great experience to better understand the workings of the Senate of Canada. Being present in sittings and committee meetings and assisting so many important lawmakers in both official languages was a really humbling experience. It allowed me to learn about how exactly Senators and MPs do their work and how citizen’s interests are represented by the lawmakers in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
6. Model: I have worked as a model with Barrett Palmer Models, which has allowed me to travel to Montreal and Toronto, and led me to do countless interesting bookings ranging from TV segments for clothes boutiques, fashion photography, Ottawa Fashion Week, charity work, and even the Santa Squad at the St. Laurent Mall! Among things such as professionalism, poise, posing for the camera and walking gracefully in heels, glimpsing the modeling industry has definitely taught me self-confidence.
Where is the most interesting place you have been?
Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein! Vaduz is a gorgeous little town, population 5100, and I was there during my government scholarship exchange to Germany in summer 2010 for Liechtenstein’s national day. I remember how it was cold and pouring rain, but that didn’t put a damper on the spirit, since it was a great memorable day! Vaduz has the national art museum of Liechtenstein as well the beautiful Alps and the Rhine river – and the streets were full of vendors and visitors celebrating Liechtenstein Day. It was so quaint to compare it with our Canada Day!
Our student group went to the Vaduz Castle, and met the Prince Hans Adams II of Liechtenstein, who provided us with snacks and drinks in the courtyard. It was absolutely enchanting. I spent the whole day in art museums, walking up mountains, and going to the open air concerts with an amazing group of international students, our purpose being to improve our German, get to know each other better, and explore a new country and culture.
What is your philosophy of/in life?
My philosophy in life is to continually make progress, seek challenges, and do something that benefits others.
“A lady isn’t just what she wears, but what she knows.” As a kid who grew up wearing my brother’s hand-me-downs, this quote always inspired me to be the best I could be and opened my eyes to the importance of cultivating one’s mind and one’s heart, and seeking out knowledge. It shows how the essence of being a woman is a balance of presenting oneself professionally on the exterior, and more importantly, what’s inside.
So, strive to be the best individual you can be and understand the power of your attitude. In life, we often are powerless, but the one thing we have control over is our own attitudes, which harness great power. Having a positive outlook and remaining calm in the face of a storm are essential.
I believe in the power of communities to unite people, and I believe that life is a continual process of learning from others, our experiences, and ourselves. Inspire others, be inspired by others, and continue the quest for education and knowledge.
