Pet Shop

The other day I went into a local Pet Store with my siblings to look at the animals. I’ve never liked going into these stores, even as a child, because I always felt so bad for them sitting there in their cages, crying out to you to pet them and take them home. I used to avoid going to those stores to save myself the heartbreak, but with the persistence of my brother and sister they got me to go in.

 I’ve always loved animals so I couldn’t resist but take out an adorable little puppy to pet. She was so excited to be out of her cage that she kissed and jumped all over me. When the time came to put her back I felt horrible so I got an idea.

Socializing

On our way out of the store I asked the storeowner if it would be possible for me to stop by once a week to pet and play with the puppies. He was all for the idea, and apparently there were a few people who do so occasionally. Also there’s a name for what I thought was just generically playing its called socializing

Socializing consists of taking one dog/cat out at a time, and playing with them. Because they are so young they don’t realize what feet are and that they should stay clear of them so you must be very careful not to step on them when they’re out. Many of them are also teething so they try to chew on any body part of yours they can (hands, fingers, toes, arms etc.) so you must teach them the word NO.

Monday

Monday is the day that I go to the store to visit with the animals. They are so cute I just love them! My favorite thing to do with them is to take them for walks outside since they don’t get to go out very much. Some puppies do great and love it while others are really scared and uneasy. It depends for the most part on their age. Another reason why I love taking them for walks is because while I’m out and about so many people stop to goggle over the adorable puppy. To me I see it as an opportunity to advertise them saying how they are for sale, this is their age, they are so cute, need a good home etc. I like to advertise them because the sooner they find a good home to go to the less amount of time they have to spend cooped up in those kennels.

I love volunteering at the Pet Store and would recommend to anyone who loves animals as much as I do to go offer your time at a local pet store. They could always use the help.

I didn't get the opportunity to take any pictures yet but I will soon and post them onto here so stay tuned! <3

Another Year

Tomorrow is my first day back at school. I will be entering my second year of University. Looking back at where I was in life last year; I’ve come to realize how much can happen in one year’s time. Knowing what I’ve accomplished from then until now makes me excited to see what this upcoming year will hold for me.

Continuing what I’ve started

Although I will be giving up my title of Miss Teen Ontario-World this upcoming December I will continue to volunteer, and bring awareness to my platform.  I look forward to continuing to help others and most importantly this year I look forward to being able to assist in a grade school.

School

My program offers to second year students the opportunity to work first hand in an elementary school setting with children. I am enthralled at having this opportunity this year seeing as being an elementary school teacher is my future employment goal. Not am I excited to gain the experience, but I'm excited to work with these children.

 Childhood to me is the most important time in a person’s life. It sets the foundation for who they are to become in the future. I’m excited to be able to incorporate what my program offers as well; as what I have to offer, into a classroom setting. I’m excited to incorporate various energetic activities from my platform into the drama activities in the classroom. I’m sure it may be difficult at times, and some students may not want to participate in certain activities. However, I’m looking forward to these obstacles as well as they’ll help me grow and learn how to adapt to these situations.

This Year

I have goals set for this year that I look forward to meeting. I’m eager to see how this upcoming year will play out; as I’m sure it’ll be amazing. I’m very optimistic starting this school year as I know I can, and will, do anything I set my mind out to doing; as long as I believe in myself and work hard for what I want.

Miss Teen Canada-World

Over a month ago I was able to experience one of the most amazing weeks of my life. 54 girls competed for the title of Miss Teen Canada-World and the overall winner was Sierra Bearchell from Saskatchewan. She moved on to compete in the Miss Teen World Pageant held in Texas, where she finished 3^rd overall. 

I finished 5^th overall at the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant, an accomplishment I am very proud of.  Having competed in this pageant I met some of the most amazing girls from all across Canada. Spending a week with 53 amazing girls was a life changing experience that I will never forget.

The pageant was so well put together that throughout the entire week we were able to attend a variety of events and social gatherings, as well as practice practice practice.

The Final Night

The final night... I don’t even know to describe it. Thinking back I still get an overwhelming wave of emotions. It was amazing to feel on that night all the work and dedication that was put into the event. I spent months and months preparing for this pageant and it all came down to that one single night.  The emotions I felt on that night were unexplainable. Knowing how much hard work was put into that night and feeling proud of everything I had accomplished to get there made me so happy.  As the elimination to get to the top 5 contestants preceded every cut that I made, made me want to cry. I wanted to cry because I couldn’t believe it, I wanted to cry because I was proud, I wanted to cry because I was happy, and I wanted to cry because I was excited.  

Sierra

Sierra is an amazing girl who will do a fantastic job of representing Canada. She is such a kind, humble, girl who is not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. I am so happy for her and wish her all the best.

As for myself I am continuing to make appearances and volunteering my time at events throughout Ontario. In December I will give up my crown to the next successor. I am not done competing in pageants and am sure to compete in one within the next year.

Thanks

I would like to thank everyone who made this experience possible: My friends, my family (especially my mom), my sponsors, my town, and most importantly everyone involved in the MTC-W organisation especially the director herself Michelle Weswaldi.

The Pageant Has Begun!!

I arrived in Toronto on Saturday evening and got settled into what was going to be my home for the next week, Novotel Toronto Centre. When I arrived in my hotel room I noticed the one king size bed and 2 cots. My two roommates were not expected until early Sunday morning so once unpacking and getting settled in I wrote them a welcome note and crawled into bed.

Sunday

Our morning began with hair, makeup, photo shoots, and video recordings. By the time everything was done and all the girls had gotten something to eat it was off to our rooms to bond with our roomies.  We had a few hours to relax in our room which was nice as it gave us time to get to know our roommates.

Roomies

 I must say, going into this pageant my biggest fear was being stuck in a room with a not nice girl. The moment the 3 of us (I’ll refer to us as the Trio) walked into our room, we bonded. Our personalities sink perfectly together! I honestly could not have asked for better girls to room with. Julie Nieuwhof from Prince Edward Island and Cassandra Tracy from British Columbia, are two of the sweetest and kind-hearted girls I’ve ever met. I honestly LOVE rooming with them; they’re girls I feel I can confine in and trust throughout this journey.

Monday

Monday was a very busy day. We started our day off with a wake up at 5 to get ready and on the road for Breakfast Television at 6. From Breakfast Television we did a tour on Hippo Tours. Hippo Tours took us around the city and INTO Lake Ontario, right by The Ontario Place and the Molson Amphitheatre. While on the bus I did a radio interview with AM 800, a local radio station from back home. After Hippo Tours we went out to eat at Omonia restaurant. It was delicious Greek restaurant.

Long Ride

After lunch we took a very slow, long bus ride to our next destination, School of Professional Make Up. On our way there many of the contestants took a much needed power nap.  Once at the school, we were taught a basic way to do a smoky eye, and had the opportunity to ask any questions we had regarding make up.

MTV

Our next appearance was at MTV, where we were the guest audience for the show. It was very interesting to be able to see how things worked at the studio.  The group got split into two groups for the last part of the night. The first group went to Toronto Academy of Acting while the other group ate dinner.

Toronto Academy of Acting

I was part of the second group who attended the acting school. Going into the seminar I thought it would be advice on how to behave in for the media etc, but boy was I wrong! Our seminar was held by Chris Healey and he talked to us about nerves, dreams, and how to make our dreams come true. He was a complete down to earth realist who was extremely blunt. He told us how the real world was, no sugar coating. The environment was so intense and all the attention was drawn into everything Mr. Healey had to say.  The girls who were in my group and I, grew a bond together tonight. Mr. Healey did not permit any girl in the group to shy away from the challenges of our seminar. He challenged us, asked us questions and made us dig deep into out answers. He made us be real with one another which caused emotions to arise. One emotion led to another and by the end of the seminar every single girl was either in tears or very close. The bond our group shared tonight was amazing, every girl shared a part of themselves with 20 something other girls, and the environment was safe.

Friendship

Never did I ever imagine that by the second day I would feel so close to some of the girls here. By the end of the week I can only imagine how strong of a bond the girls in this pageant will share. This experience has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for the week to continue!