Melody Thike
Height: 5’7
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Languages: English, Burmese
Occupation: Library Services Professional
Melody Thike was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Embracing her multicultural heritage of Burmese, Chinese, and Mongolian roots, she finds inspiration in the richness of her diverse background. Motivated by a genuine passion for the social sciences, community building, mental and physical wellbeing, intellectual freedom, and the arts, Melody remains committed to making a positive difference through a humanistic approach. She is an undergraduate at the University of British Columbia pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy.
Melody’s commitment to community building and the sharing of knowledge shines through her five years of work at the Vancouver Public Library in various neighbourhoods throughout the city. She is driven to provide more resources for fostering meaningful connections among people. She strongly believes that creating a sense of belonging will improve our overall well being and motivation to find solutions for the greater good.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I have always been drawn to the realms of beauty, art, and the humanities. My interests are related to creative and intellectual pursuits.
Photography and fashion have allowed me to capture moments of inspiration and express my personal style. Whether it is behind the lens or styling a unique ensemble, I find immense joy and fulfillment in these creative outlets. In addition, my love for makeup and cinema fuels my appreciation for visual storytelling and the transformative power of art. Exploring the performing arts and experimenting with makeup techniques enable me to test the limits of imagination and nurture self-expression.
Furthermore, I find great fulfillment engaging in conversations about psychological, philosophical, and sociological concepts. These interactions enrich me with diverse perspectives and broaden my understanding of the world. It is truly enlightening and satisfying to hear how others make sense of their experiences and how they intertwine with my academic knowledge.
While I cherish these shared moments, I also have a strong appreciation for solitude. I find comfort and inspiration in moments of self-reflection. Writing serves as an emotional outlet, allowing me to process my thoughts and experiences. Meditation brings a sense of calm and clarity, enabling me to reconnect with myself. Going on walks accompanied by my favourite music and organizing my personal space provides a sense of renewal and rejuvenation for me!
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I have had acting training involving the Meisner technique, on-camera work, and a motion picture industry certification. I have also participated in vocal lessons and choral groups at the Vancouver Academy of Music. I’ve gained extensive training in customer service and an Occupational First Aid Level 2 Certification. These experiences continue to shape me into a versatile and adaptable individual, ready to tackle new challenges and contribute to any environment.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I have experience in track and field, dance, and volleyball!
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My paternal grandmother is an incredibly influential figure in my life. Her unwavering positive affirmations and support throughout my upbringing have been monumental in fostering self-belief and a growth mindset. However, her impact goes beyond these gestures. My grandmother was the first person in our family to immigrate from Myanmar to Canada. Growing up, my grandmother shared stories of the hardships she endured and the limited opportunities that existed in her home country. Her journey to build a new life and start a business in a foreign land epitomises bravery, sacrifice, and determination. The privileges and opportunities I have in Canada, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and greater socio-economic stability, exemplify the transformative power of her decision. The contrast between her previous circumstances and the life we now have serves as a constant reminder of the importance in maximizing the opportunities available to us and to never take them for granted. My grandmother was driven by her unwavering commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our family. Her story has instilled strong family values in me and serves as a reminder to act on my pursuits with grit and perseverance. I proudly stand on the shoulders of her and my ancestors before me. I am committed to bringing honour to them by helping our world continue to progress for the better.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
My proudest personal accomplishment is supporting the sharing of knowledge, intellectual freedom, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion to our community through my service at the Vancouver Public Library (VPL). Serving in this capacity has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, allowing me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
My five years at VPL has shown me the power of empathy and consideration in building a harmonious and inclusive society. I believe that I have played a crucial role in empowering individuals to expand their horizons and pursue their subjects of interest.
Witnessing the joy and gratitude on the faces of library patrons as they discover new concepts, acquire new skills, or find solace within the pages of a book fills my heart with an indescribable sense of fulfilment.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
II believe that one of the most interesting things about me is my interest in exploring mental and physical health’s relationship to aesthetics. From my perspective, having a symbiotic relationship between health and aesthetics supports our ability to approach life with a positive and constructive outlook. Aesthetics, to me, go beyond the surface of appearances; they inform our behaviour, shape our perceptions of the world, and provide a medium for creative self-expression. This passion was ignited by an unexpected catalyst – my smile!
During my secondary years, I sought orthodontic treatment, aiming to improve crowding and an overbite. My research led me to myofunctional orthodontics and “mewing”, coined by Dr. John Mew, which focuses on the connection between oral habits, facial development, and overall well-being. I learned that improper oral habits can contribute to dental malocclusions and facial asymmetries, which can have an immense impact on our health and appearance. I sought treatment (Myobraces) with a local dentistry professional and have been consistent with my oral posture habits since. I will say that it was uncomfortable and arduous to integrate these habits into daily life at first. However, with resilience and consistency, it has not only improved my smile, facial structure, and oral health, but also has strengthened my confidence and determination to further strive for personal growth. I feel that this concept is something not many people know about and could greatly benefit from!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambitions are rooted in the desire to contribute to community building and supporting intellectual freedom. My goal is to graduate from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Philosophy next year. Afterward, I plan to pursue a Masters Degree in Psychology and Counselling. Furthermore, I hope to complete a project I have started working on with a team at the Vancouver Public Library. This project aims to affirm the right of access and representation for diverse groups and provide equitable, inclusive, and welcoming library spaces and services. To do this, we are creating training materials and mental health resources for staff members in regards to constructively responding to discrimination and reaching conflict resolution. We plan to complete this within the next year.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Amidst the rapid developments in technology, I strongly believe in the power of the arts to unite humanity and highlight universal emotions. While the exact title of my dream job remains uncertain, I envision a role that allows me to combine my passions for promoting connection in our communities, wellbeing, and the sharing of knowledge through the arts. By leveraging the power of this field, I aspire to contribute to the betterment of society. I hope to inspire individuals to challenge their perspectives, nurturing a more inclusive and empathetic world, and shaping a brighter future for all.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada to a culturally Burmese-Canadian and ethnically Chinese-Mongolian-Burmese family. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the diversity of people and cultures that enrich this city. Vancouver’s unique blend of cultures, along with its breathtaking nature and the opportunity to witness all four seasons, has been a true blessing in shaping my perspective on the world. In addition to my upbringing in Vancouver, my family and I frequently travelled to our hometown, Yangon, Myanmar. These trips showed me the stark contrast between opportunities available and challenges faced by individuals in different parts of the world. Witnessing the hardships endured by children my age who had to work to support themselves and their families instead of attending school deeply impacted my perspective and fostered a sense of gratitude for the privileges I enjoyed.
From a young age, I had a passion for creativity, particularly in the performing arts. I would organize my own mini-concerts, fashion shows, and create short films through home-videos. Furthermore, music and singing played a significant role in my life. Fun fact: I knew every Shainia Twain song by heart as a toddler! I also enjoyed watching Barbie and Bratz movies and shows on the Family Channel, such as Hannah Montana, Zoey 101, Kim Possible, and That’s So Raven. This definitely fueled my imagination and love for storytelling.
As the oldest of three children, there is a considerable age gap between my siblings and I, spanning 10 and 7 years. This age difference has shaped my understanding of parenthood. It has exposed me to the sacrifices, challenges, fulfilment, and indescribable love that comes with raising a family. Through this experience, I have developed qualities of responsibility, consideration, and maturity. Overall, my upbringing in Vancouver, coupled with my creative pursuits, and family dynamics have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. It has instilled a deep appreciation for diversity, a love for the arts, and a strong sense of compassion in me. These values continue to guide my actions and aspirations as I navigate my journey in life.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
As an actor, I have had the opportunity to take on a range of interesting and unusual jobs. One experience that stands out to me is working as a 3D Head Scan Model for a video game company. The purpose of this job was to capture human facial expressions to replicate when designing game characters.
Picture this: me strapped into a chair, surrounded by a dome-like fortress of cameras. It felt like a sci-fi movie set, with flashes of bright light and lenses fixated on my face. I had to make a multitude of facial expressions while cameras snapped pictures of me with a very bright flash for a few hours. It was like being in the center of a paparazzi frenzy, except instead of snapping glamorous red carpet photos, they were capturing every minute detail of my facial contortions. I unleashed a parade of facial expressions, ranging from the subtly sly to the outrageously exaggerated. It was as if I had transformed into a living, breathing emoji factory! My face had a very intensive workout during this job and it definitely felt sore afterward.
In retrospect, my role as a 3D Head Scan Model definitely broadened my knowledge of the entertainment industry. Beyond the eccentricity of the job itself, this experience served as a reminder of the perpetual evolution within the fields of acting and game development. It highlighted all the meticulous details, techniques, and hard work involved in the creation of digital worlds!
List any volunteering you have done.
I have participated in mentorship programs and served as a tutor at local elementary schools. These experiences allowed me to support and guide younger students, contributing to their academic and personal growth.
What is your most unusual talent?
I am naturally quite flexible, which often surprises people! One particularly unique aspect of my flexibility is that I can bend my thumbs back very far and contort my fingers in various ways. I attribute these abilities to both of my paternal grandparents, who were gymnasts in their youth! Their athletic background seems to have passed down this trait to me, and I consider it a special connection to my family’s athletic legacy.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
Myanmar! I remember it being the most captivating and culturally rich destinations I have ever visited. It has enchanting landscapes and ancient architecture that hold so much historical and spiritual significance. From exploring the beautiful temples of Bagan, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the bustling markets selling delicious Burmese cuisine and fresh fruits, to visiting the hidden gem of Chaung Tha Beach along the Bay of Bengal, it all holds a special place in my heart. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the temple-studded plains was an especially breathtaking sight that I will never forget.
Furthermore, the warmth and hospitality of the local people further enlightened my experience, making it truly unforgettable. My time in Yangon gave me cherished memories with family and a deep appreciation for the city’s charm and cultural significance.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
Professionally, I hope to be more involved in advocating for diversity and inclusion, charity work, and intellectual freedom. Overall, I aspire to help give others the tools and resources for self and community development.
On a personal level, I strive to be a source of unwavering support for my family. I aim to provide financial stability and create opportunities for my loved ones to thrive. Specifically, I want to be a pillar of encouragement for my siblings, actively supporting their passions and ambitions. Whether that is helping them navigate educational pursuits, guiding them in their artistic endeavours, or providing assistance as they explore their professional paths, I am committed to being a reliable and empowering presence in their lives.
In addition to my professional and personal goals, I hope to immerse myself in adventure around the globe. I seek to discover the beauty of diverse cultures, uncover hidden gems, and gain a profound understanding of our global community through travel.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my alignment with the core values and initiatives of Miss Universe Canada. As an organization, Miss Universe Canada has a strong commitment to bringing diverse groups together, creating a platform for individuals to share their stories, and supporting various charitable causes. I am eager to contribute to the organization’s mission of empowerment, philanthropy, and celebrating diversity. Together, I hope we can make a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.