Kim Do
Height: 5’6
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Occupation: Student at Mount Royal University (Bachelors of Communications and Bachelors of Education)
Kim Do was born, and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She is a first-generation Vietnamese Canadian studying at Mount Royal University; pursuing a dual degree in communications and education. She has also been nominated as an outstanding contender both academically and athletically; receiving awards for student-athlete of the year, as well as making the dean’s honour roll.
As someone who is very keen on volunteer work and providing aid and relief since a young age of three, Kim understood the importance of giving back to her community… and beyond. She took inspiration and experience of her own and spent numerous years to find ways to provide individuals the opportunity to access a proper education. Today, she is proud to be the founder of Operation: Love for Tomorrow…a non-profit organization that strives to put children (living in poverty) in schools while also providing aid to their families through a weekly food drive, a basic health care program, as well as building a safe and loving living spaces, in which these families will call home.
From volunteering in impoverished villages in Vietnam, to spreading awareness and action within her country’s borders, Kim strives to build bridges that will connect society to one another, calling for awareness and action so that every individual in the world may have their right to an education.
One of her biggest goals is to teach English at a university in Vietnam, while running after-school academic programs for students of all ages in rural and poor areas. She strongly believes in providing every individual in the world the access to a proper education. She believes: giving individuals a strong foundation through proper education, resources and tools, allows for each individual to set their own goals and reach their highest potential without borders.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy reading, travelling, performing (dancing and singing), working out, playing and coaching volleyball, spending time with my family, teaching the Vietnamese culture to the youth, and volunteering around the city (Calgary) as much as possible.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I was a competitive dancer for 5-6 years and later gained a bigger interest in volleyball and I have been playing competitively for over 10 years now and coaching for 3 years.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I am a jack of all trades and love to always be active wherever and whenever I can in whatever activity is available to me! I have been playing volleyball competitively for over 10 years now and coaching for 3 years. In high school, I was part of the basketball, badminton, volleyball, and track and field team. I was also nominated to be student-athlete of the year twice (between grade 10 and 12).
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
I would definitely say that my grandparents have had the biggest influence in my life. Despite only meeting my grandfathers, I learned of the discipline, hard-work, and perseverance that was needed in order for me to be here today. In the same way, I know that any goal I set or dream I have is obtainable as long as I follow those three disciplines. They have definitely taught me to always at least give everything a shot because you never know what lays behind each door you open.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
One of my biggest accomplishments would definitely be launching my non-profit organization, Operation: Love for Tomorrow. I have been planning and working towards this goal over the past 4-5 years. After winning Miss Calgary 2022, I was able to build stronger connections to my community and my roots and finally be able to proudly say that I am the founder of this non-profit organization. Because it is still new and small, we are currently only focussing one a small secluded area near my parent’s home town. We currently provide a weekly food drive, provide an education to the children, provide proper house (rebuilding or new build) to the families, and recently introduced a very basic form of health care that is prioritized to those who need it the most.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I am a very passionate volleyball player and in my senior year of high school I thought I would never be able to play again. The day before my try-outs, I ruptured my achilles tendon. I cried the entire night not from the pain but from the fact that I would not be able to try-out the next day. However, to this day, I strongly believe that my injury was a way of telling my body that I needed to step back and give my body a break. I am now a coach at the Canada West Volleyball Club in Calgary and I am able to share my experience and skills with younger girls, while ensuring that every athlete understands the importance of giving our bodies rest and recovery and doing it the correct way.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My number one goal is to find a way to make education available to everyone in the world. I am currently studying communications and education. I have devised a four step plan that I will be implementing after obtaining my two degrees: 1. Research 2. Plan 3. Take action 4. Repeat. Through travelling and allowing myself to see the world through different perspectives, I would like to instate possible programs to set everyone up for success-so that everyone in the world is able to set their own goals and be provided with the necessary resources and information that is needed to reach their fullest potential.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My dream job is to teach English at Cambridge International Vietnam. I envision myself having a future job that allows me to be connected to both of my roots as a Vietnamese-Canadian.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. My parents are immigrants from Vietnam. Despite being immigrants, their hard work and perseverance allowed gave me a childhood that was joyful but also privileged. I grew up with a very close relationship to my immediate and extended family (which is very very big if I may add). I had many cousins of similar age and therefore allowed me to always have a close friend. My parents made sure I was able to experience many things as possible: skating, swimming, dance, the zoo, etc. I don’t think there was ever a time where my parents were not around. When I would have an accident on the playground, they would leave work and come check on me at school, my mom would bring me lunch or take me out at lunch time, if she had a day off. In short, I was able to have a very good education while still having fun and adapting to two cultures. I would say thinking about my childhood makes me very happy, grateful, and humbled.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
My first ever job was as a guest ambassador at the Calgary Stampede. For two years, I met thousands of people on a daily basis and guiding people from all over the world around the greatest outdoor show in the world. I would describe this experience as two worlds colliding. The Calgary Stampede attracts people from all over the world and that allowed me to learn of other people’s stories while sharing my own as.a first-generation Vietnamese Canadian.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have done volunteer work at charities and non-profits: The Mustard Seed, Inn From the Cold, The Drop-In Center, Hope Mission, Medical Aid Vietnam, Gems for Gems, Willow Ridge Community-Centre, Calgary Centre for Newcomers. I volunteer at my church’s youth-group teaching children of the faith and Vietnamese. I have done volunteer work through performances for fundraisers organized by CVNTV to raise money for war victims in Ukraine as well as funds for the victims of the earthquake in the Middle-East.
What is your most unusual talent?
I can touch the tip of my tongue to my nose, and fold it in to a flower. I would say my hand writing is an interesting talent too.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
The most interesting place I have been to would have to be Japan. Fascinating would be a better word to describe my experience. The technology, businesses, and the way the people carry themselves definitely left me in awe. For example, the crime rates are unbelievably low. I am able to leave all my heavy shopping bags in a corner, run to buy something else, come back, and my belongings will still be where I left them. It was an absolute shocker when I was informed of this and I had to try it out myself… absolutely amazing and I would recommend this destination to everyone!
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself teaching English in a high school, either in Canada or Vietnam… slowly making my way up the ladder into Cambridge International. I also see my non-profit organization continuing to grow… operating in at least three or four locations. I would be 31 years old by then and one of my biggest goals when I reach the age of 30 is to retire my parents.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
One of my favourite quotes goes, “Build bridges, not walls” by Todd Miller. There are so many approaches and understandings you can takeaway from this quote and I truly believe I have began to embrace this quote through my love for being surrounded by people… not just my family, friends, classmates, etc. but with everyone in the world because I believe that the only way we can progress in life as a collective human race, is by sharing our personal experiences and finding those small but important connections to one another.