Anna-Christina Ghazal
Height: 5’4
Hometown: Montréal, QC
Languages: English, French, Arabic and Spanish (conversational)
Occupation: Student at the University of Ottawa (Law)
Anna-Christina Ghazal was born in the USA, spent her early years in Lebanon, and is now a proud Canadian living in Montreal. She grew up with three older sisters who played a big part in shaping her into who she is today as she learned a lot from them. At the age of 19, she is now a second year Law Student at the University of Ottawa, following her dream to become a human rights lawyer. Growing up in Canada gave her the opportunity to compare the Canadian political and social system to the one that her Lebanese friends were governed by. This fuelled her desire to become more knowledgeable in the field of justice. Where one would see rules and legislations, she would see a mean to be an advocate for those in need.
Being a very curious girl and always wanting to learn, Anna-Christina completed several online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as a contract law class offered by Harvard X. Serving her community has always been a core value to her. She volunteered at the geriatric institute of the university of Montreal, spending time with elderly residents and helping them with daily activities. After participating in a climate strike, she was inspired to become part of the eco-committee of her school where she collaborated with other students to create an eco-friendly environment. This experience reinforced her sense of gratification when advocating for positive changes in her environment; a feeling that she looks forward to experiencing on a bigger scale as Miss Universe Canada 2023.
However, Anna-Christina understands that she needs to spend some time focusing on herself. During her free time, she enjoys listening to music and playing the piano, which she has been learning since the age of 6.
Competing for Miss Universe Canada 2023, Anna-Christina wishes to use her advocacy skills to raise awareness about contemporary issues and encourage young woman to always believe in themselves and in their capacities.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I have developed a great interest in music since learning how to play the piano at 6 years old. Listening to all music genres elevates my mood. Reading is also one of my biggest interests. My favorite book is called “Royal” and is written by Jean-philippe baril Guerard. It talks about the adventures of a law student at the University of Montreal.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I have experience in acting since I took theatre as a class in high school. I have also been learning how to play the piano since the age of 6 and have performed in several shows. In addition to this, I have received the Standard First Aid and CPR certification offered by the Red Cross.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I took Judo lessons for 7 years and won first-place in several school tournaments. I have also done figure skating for 5 years and performed in several local shows. I enjoy doing at-home workout challenges as well, whenever I have time because it is such a stress-reliever!
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My best friend has had the most influence on my life. She was there for me during hard times and always believed in me.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Spending time to help others is my biggest accomplishment. I have always been a straight-A student in high school and knowing that I could do more with my time, I managed to volunteer for clubs in high school and in college. I was part of the eco-committee of my high school, and I realized that organizing events and preparing for them is on of my areas of interest. I also participated in a ProBono project during my first year of law school helping lawyers and their clients with different tasks.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
The most interesting thing about me is that I am always 20 minutes early for everything as I despise keeping the people around me waiting. It allows me to be mentally prepared for my meetings and friendly outings.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I plan on completing my law degree in order to become a human rights lawyer. Comparing the Canadian and Lebanese political systems fuelled my desire to become more knowledgeable in the field of justice. With this goal in mind, studying law presented itself as the perfect first step in my journey.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job would be one that allows me to help others. Being a lawyer is presented as the best opportunity to do that, and it has been my dream since the age of 12. I would like to counsel my clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
As an energetic child, I would always play outside with my neighbours. I would travel to Lebanon every summer to spend time with my family, which allowed me to explore the world in different perspectives.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I was a Camp counselor for youth with disability. I organized and animated recreational activities adapted to a group of youth with disability, aged 6 to 17 and encouraged group members to participate within the limits of their abilities. Working with under-represented populations was a very fulfilling experience and I grew a lot from it.
List any volunteering you have done.
Serving my community is a core value to me. In the last few years, I volunteered at the geriatric institute of the university of Montreal, spending time with elderly residents and helping them with daily activities.
I was a camp counselor for autistic children and teenagers.
I was inspired to become part of the eco-committee of my school where I collaborated with other students to remove plastic bottles and straws from the cafeteria and add recycling bins throughout the school. This experience reinforced my sense of gratification when advocating for positive changes in my environment; a feeling that I look forward to experiencing on a bigger scale as a lawyer.
I participated in a ProBono project during my first year of college, helping lawyers and their clients with different tasks.
In essence, I’ve built strong relationships with various populations and learned to tailor my communication skills to any audience.
What is your most unusual talent?
I can eat chips without making a sound!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Growing up, I travelled to many countries with my family, but Lebanon is my favorite. The people always allow me to have a great time!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to be a practicing human rights lawyer, grow a family of my own and travel with my loved ones.