Age: 22 | Height: 5’5″ | Kingston, ON
Ivanna Tarnowecky was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario. At a very young age, she fell in love with the performing arts and has been acting, singing, and dancing ever since. Her role model is her grandmother, who was a merited actress of Ukraine. She is her inspiration.
Ivanna recently completed a Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Book & Media Studies with a Minor in both French and Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto. She looks forward to furthering her education in Communication and Advertising.
Ivanna has a passion for helping people and enjoys working with the elderly and children. She is an outgoing and enthusiastic person who loves to travel, meet new people, and experience new cultures. She believes that cultural diversity is one of Canada’s most admirable qualities.
Sponsored by: St. Vladimir Institute, Family and Friends
Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
I speak Ukrainian, English, and French fluently and learned them in that order. My native language is Ukrainian.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job in life is to work in the media industry, preferably in advertising. Having a major in Media Studies and a minor in Cinema Studies has inspired me to apply my years of study to a similar work environment. Being such a vast industry, the opportunities seem endless. Furthermore, I would enjoy travelling and experiencing media in other countries and would also take pleasure in applying my study of the French language. To me, a dream job is one that is challenging and provides new experiences each day.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
The most interesting position I have had was working in a retirement home, as I really enjoy the company of seniors. They are filled with life experiences and always willing to share and give advice, often with much humour and a good dose of common sense.
Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I had an incredible opportunity to travel to parts of Europe and I fell in love with Rome. Its architecture, people, and culture made the city’s remarkable history come to life. I also visited the Dominican Republic where I had an eye-opening experience. I travelled to a remote village to distribute toys and clothes to underprivileged children, and I was not prepared for the visible poverty that confronted me. Yet, despite having so little these people were so warm, appreciative, and positive. It was remarkably humbling and gave me a totally different perspective on life.
What is your philosophy of/in life?
Dream big and never give up. You’ll never know unless you try.
