I’ve always enjoyed maintaining a busy schedule and continuously seeking ways to grow both personally and professionally. As a student with a high GPA, I take pride in my academic achievements and am especially passionate about understanding political and economic systems. I actively seek out opportunities through coursework, independent research, and discussion to deepen my understanding of how these systems influence everyday life.

Beyond academics, I find great fulfillment in engaging with my community. Whether it’s through volunteer work, my practicums, or participating in social and cultural events, I enjoy connecting with others and contributing to causes that matter. These experiences not only allow me to apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings but also help me develop valuable interpersonal and leadership skills.

In my free time, I also enjoy reading, attending public events, and staying informed on current events. I’m someone who thrives in dynamic environments and values continuous learning, collaboration, and making a positive impact.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I have spent extensive time perfecting my art skills, which have become both a creative outlet and a form of self-care for me. Art allows me to express myself and maintain a strong sense of emotional well-being. In addition to my passion for art, I also performed traditional Punjabi dance during my youth. This experience connected me to my cultural roots while being an Indian-Canadian.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have participated in both Taekwondo and cheerleading. Through Taekwondo, I developed discipline, physical strength, and focus, while cheerleading helped me build strong teamwork, coordination, and performance skills. Both experiences have contributed to my confidence, dedication, and ability to work well under pressure.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

One person who has had a profound influence on my life is my first-year social work professor. She taught a course focused on educating future social workers about Indigenous history, trauma, and ways of life. Through her teaching, she opened my eyes to both macro and micro level issues within the Canadian systems, as well as my own unconscious biases and areas of ignorance.

Her class fundamentally shifted the way I understand empathy, not just as a feeling but as an active, informed practice. She challenged me to think critically, listen deeply, and approach others’ experiences with humility and respect. Her influence continues to shape the way I view the world and the kind of social worker I aspire to be.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

For four consecutive years, I endured intense bullying and cyberbullying from my peers. This experience pushed me into a severe mental health crisis, where even the simplest daily tasks became overwhelming. It left me in an incredibly vulnerable state and deeply affected my sense of self-worth.

Now, five years later, I’ve found strength in those hardships and completely turned my life around. I’ve built meaningful friendships, prioritized my mental health, and am actively pursuing a career where I can support individuals who have faced similar challenges.
My proudest accomplishment above all academic or personal achievements will always be my decision to keep fighting, to survive, and to grow. That resilience defines who I am today.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

As an extrovert, I often find myself having unexpected conversations with strangers. One afternoon, years ago, I spoke with an elderly woman in a grocery store. What began as a quick comment about milk turned into a 45-minute conversation about her life, and her memories. I never expected to see her again but during the pandemic, masked and socially distanced, our paths crossed once more. She recognized me just from my eyes and told me they were kind and expressive, and that she’d never forgotten them.

The most interesting thing about me is my ability to connect with people through conversation. After working through my own mental health challenges, I made a promise to myself to live loudly, to lead with kindness, and to be present in every path I cross. I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and their stories. It’s rare that I feel anxious about it anymore. Instead, I see it as a gift and the chance to make someone feel seen, even if only for a moment.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to become a social worker in a hospital setting, specializing in mental health and substance use. I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating complex mental health challenges and addiction and I hope to be a strong advocate for compassionate client-centred care. In the long term, I also aspire to become a lawyer, combining my background in social work with a legal career focused on human rights and social justice. My ultimate goal is to build a humanitarian focused career for myself that empowers vulnerable populations and challenges systemic inequalities.

Throughout my academic journey, I have completed practicums that have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of social systems and the barriers many individuals face. These hands on experiences have given me valuable insight into how institutions operate and deepened my commitment to creating more accessible and equitable support structures.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to be both a social worker and a lawyer, using my voice and skills to advocate for marginalized communities and individuals that often overlooked or silenced. I want to support those who are navigating mental health challenges, addiction, discrimination, and systemic injustice, while providing compassionate care.

Having faced my own mental health challenges in the past, I understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. I’ve experienced what it’s like to struggle in silence and fight to reclaim your sense of self worth. That journey has shaped who I am today and It taught me the true value of empathy, resilience, and support systems that truly care.

As a social worker, I want to offer support. As a lawyer, I want to fight for structural change. My goal is to create a career that not only gives back to others but actively works to uplift and empower those who need it most.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised by a single immigrant mother who showed incredible strength and resilience in the face of immense challenges, all while navigating a new country without knowing the language or norms. Despite the many systemic barriers stacked against her, she worked tirelessly to survive and succeed. Through perseverance and determination, she built a career first as a social worker and eventually as a lawyer.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices she made to ensure her children had access to the opportunities she never had. Her courage, work ethic, and ability to rise above adversity have shaped my beliefs, values, and inspired my own career path.

My childhood was not without its difficulties and although my family was faced with various obstacles finically and systemically our home was filled with love and acceptance. My mother taught me several lessons in resilience, gratitude, and the importance of showing empathy towards myself and others.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

While not entirely unusual, one of the more interesting jobs I’ve had was working as a lunchroom supervisor at an elementary school. I was responsible for watching over children of various ages, and in doing so, I got a unique glimpse into their world. I learned about new trends, the way kids communicate, and all their little quirks. It was both entertaining and insightful while definitely keeping me on my toes.

List any volunteering you have done.

I volunteered at a local elementary school where I provided one-on-one support to children who needed extra attention academically or personally. This experience significantly shifted and challenged my understanding of childhood development and the diverse circumstances many children grow up in. Volunteering with this elementary school helped me recognize the importance of early intervention and emotional support in shaping a child’s future. In addition to offering individual support, I helped organize events and activities, working to create a safe and inclusive environment for all the students.

I also volunteered with Alberta Health Services, where I visited seniors in their homes to provide companionship and emotional support. Through this experience, I gained an understanding of the profound impact isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic had on the mental and emotional well-being of our elderly population. Listening to their stories and being present for them taught me the importance of human connection, dignity, and consistent care at every stage of life.

Additionally, I completed a practicum at an Indigenous child care centre, which was a fundamental experience in my social work journey. During my time there, I learned about Indigenous ways of life, parenting practices, cultural teachings, and community values. I formed genuine connections with the children and staff, and developed a deeper appreciation for the strength, traditions, and resilience within Indigenous communities. I also gained insight into the role of a social worker in this setting, supporting children and families.

What is your most unusual talent?

My grandmother is a predominant role model in my life. She and I bond over the extensive knowledge she has passed down to me on fabrics, textures, and leathers, so much so that I can usually tell what something’s made of just by touch. I’ve learned the ins and outs of caring for everything from silks to sturdy leather and wool. I’ve learned how to clean, treat, and preserve materials, whether it’s tackling stains or keeping a leather jacket in perfect condition for years. It’s a skill I’ve acquired over time and something I associate with the memories of bonding with my grandmother.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

One of the most interesting places I’ve been to is Japan. Growing up, my family placed a strong emphasis on travel and learning about different cultures within Canada and internationally. Providing me with an appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding from a young age.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan, exploring various cities and immersing myself in the culture. I learned about Japanese customs, social norms, traditions, and even some of the language. I visited historic temples and experienced urban living in many of the large cities.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to have made meaningful strides in my professional career as both a social worker and a lawyer. My goal is to create real, lasting change within systems that are broken or have historically worked against marginalized communities. I want to be in a position where I’m actively advocating for equity, justice, and a beacon of support on a macro scale.

Beyond achieving career milestones, I hope to continue dreaming big and setting new goals for myself. I believe that no matter where you are in life, there’s always room to grow, learn, and strive for something greater. I want to continue being someone who never stops pushing forward and encouraging the people I help.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

Another interesting fact about me comes from my name. On November 30th, 2000, Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World while representing India. Shortly after, in 2002, I was born, and my parents named me after her. As a first-generation immigrant born in Canada, growing up with that name has often sparked conversations and given me an appreciation for where I come from as well as a stronger connection to my roots. It’s always been a small connection, but it is special to me.