Randi-Lyn Forbes

Height:  5’5
Hometown: Sault Ste Marie, ON
Languages: English
Occupation:

Randi-Lyn Forbes was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with its notable landmarks, situated along side of its American Counterpart Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Randi-Lyn’s birth was unique for she was an only child born to parents in their 40’s and entered this world prematurely weighing a mere 2lbs 2oz. She grew up surrounded by the love and support of her family amongst 3 brothers on her mother’s side whose ages spanned 24, 19 and 12 years beyond her own. She had a close relationship with her youngest brother who moved away when she turned 12 but remains close through virtual communication and many visits. Her connections on her father’s side who are 19 and 17 years older than her were less pronounced during her formative years.

She was constantly bullied throughout her elementary and high school years for how she looked and for her nails, which she takes immense pride in. Her adolescence years were taken away from her due to the Global Pandemic. Randi-Lyn adapted to remote learning, was denied the typical rights of an adolescent. She attended high school for her last year where she excelled in her studies and helped where needed. Which earned her the Vice Principals award, and the Leadership award. During the pandemic, Randi-Lyn lost her father to Cancer in 2020 where she then started participating in Relay for Life. Her mother took on a more significant role in Randi-Lyn’s life encouraging her to believe in herself and that she could do anything she puts her mind to.

Randi-Lyn continued her studies and graduated from Sault College in 2024 with a diploma from the Social Service Worker Program. She will be continuing her studies online in the fall by taking a program titled ‘Strength Based Perspectives in Helping’ that will earn her another diploma that will further enhance her career while working. While doing her online education, she hopes to be working as an Educational Assistant in the community.

In her free time, Randi-Lyn loves exploring the great outdoors, camping, paddle boarding, working out, photography, travelling and exploring North America with her mother. She periodically attends a local Soo Greyhound Game, participates in the Bon Soo Winter Carnival, and enjoys hanging out at home or with friends. Randi-Lyn has started a new tradition where she helped a family by providing a Christmas dinner, a few extra groceries, clothing and a couple of Christmas presents. It’s her way of contributing to her community.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I possess a wide variety of interests that enrich my personal and professional life. These include maintaining a dedicated fitness regimen through gym workouts, indulging in outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and camping, and immersing myself in the serenity of nature. Additionally, I find fulfillment in cultivating meaningful relationships by spending quality time with friends and cherishing moments with loved ones, particularly my mother. My passion for photography allows me to capture and appreciate the beauty of the world around me, while my love for travel provides opportunities for exploration and cultural immersion. In my leisure time, I enjoy indulging in various forms of entertainment, including listening to music and watching movies and TV shows. Furthermore, I find gratification in helping others and take the opportunities to assist those in need within my community and beyond.

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

While my formal training may be limited, I have acquired valuable skills and experiences through various pursuits. For instance, I dedicated two years to martial arts, demonstrating discipline and commitment until unforeseen circumstances necessitated my departure due to orthodontic treatment. Additionally, I actively engaged in Pom Cheerleading over the past two years, where I collaborated with a team of other women to perform choreographed routines, culminating in a showcase event at a local cheer expo.

Moreover, my involvement in recreational gymnastics over the years prompted me to transition into a role as a coach in training at the John Rhode’s Community Centre. Here, I contributed to the development of young athletes while fulfilling my high school community service requirements. These experiences have instilled in me a strong work ethic, teamwork abilities, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

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

A figure of global renown who has profoundly impacted my life is Taylor Swift. Enduring bullying throughout her formative years, she has emerged as the world’s most influential artist, inspiring millions with her resilience and determination. Swift’s journey captures unwavering perseverance and an unbeatable spirit in the face of adversity.

Similarly, my own experiences of facing social challenges and bullying during childhood and adolescence resonate deeply with Swift’s narrative. Despite encountering obstacles, I have learned to persevere and remain dedicated in pursuing my goals.

Moreover, Swift’s music serves as a touching reflection of shared experiences, offering comfort and confidence during challenging times. From humble beginnings to unprecedented success, her trajectory exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and ambition.

As I aspire to carve my path towards success and fulfillment, I am inspired by Swift’s journey and hopeful for a future marked by great achievements and personal growth.

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

My most notable personal achievement includes the successful completion of the Social Service Worker Program at Sault College in 2024. I was also honored to receive the Vice Principal’s Award and Leadership Award upon graduating from High School in 2022. These accolades emphasize my dedication to academic excellence and leadership within educational and professional settings.

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

One noteworthy experience in my life was the opportunity to engage with the renowned Canadian singer-songwriter, Carly Rae Jepsen, during a personal encounter. Another remarkable occurrence took place last summer while vacationing in Daytona Beach with my mother, where I was scouted by a modeling agent, adding an unexpected and enriching dimension to my experiences. Additionally, a distinctive aspect of my personal identity is my naturally long and healthy nails. While maintaining their strength and health has presented occasional challenges, it has also become a unique aspect of my self-care routine.

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

Currently, I am in the process of clarifying my career ambitions. However, I am currently considering a career path as an Educational Assistant, with plans to embark on this journey commencing in September 2024. Concurrently, I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. To this end, I have enrolled in an online course titled ‘Strength Based Perspectives In Helping,’ which I will undertake outside of working hours to enhance my skills and knowledge in the field.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My career aspiration aligns with a meaningful desire to positively impact the lives of others by assisting them in discovering their purpose and enhancing their overall quality of life. This vision entails engaging in hands-on, dynamic roles that allow for direct interaction and meaningful intervention, rather than being confined to a desk-bound environment

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

I was born and raised Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a city renowned for its rich history and notable landmarks. Situated alongside its American counterpart, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, my hometown boasts a proud heritage, including being home to Algoma Steel, the birthplace of esteemed astronaut Roberta Bondar, and the admired Sault Greyhounds hockey team, as well as hosting the celebrated Bon Soo winter carnival.

My upbringing was characterized by unique circumstances, as I was the sole child born to parents in their forties. Despite entering the world prematurely at seven months, weighing a mere 2 pounds and 2 ounces, I was surrounded by the love and support of my family. Growing up amidst three older brothers from my mother’s side, whose ages spanned 24, 19, and 12 years beyond my own, I was fortunate to have their unwavering encouragement and guidance. Although my youngest brother eventually relocated to Toronto for work when I was twelve, our bond remained strong through regular virtual communication and frequent visits.

Conversely, my connections with my siblings from my father’s side, who are 19 and 17 years older than me, were less pronounced during my formative years. Nevertheless, my upbringing was enriched by a sense of adventure and curiosity, as I enjoyed exploring the great outdoors, embarking on camping trips, and relishing in moments spent swimming in our family pool or bouncing on my trampoline.

The onset of adolescence was marked by unprecedented challenges, as the global pandemic disrupted normalcy during my pivotal teenage years. Consequently, much of my high school experience was spent navigating the complexities of remote learning, denying me the typical rites of passage associated with adolescence. Amidst these trials, the devastating loss of my father to cancer in 2020 highlighted the importance of family, with my mother assuming an even greater significance in my life.

Despite the adversities faced, my journey has been shaped by resilience and the unwavering support of loved ones, instilling within me a profound appreciation for life’s blessings and the enduring strength of familial bonds.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I held the position of a retail associate and cashier at ‘Spirit Halloween’, a seasonal retail store specializing in Halloween merchandise, during the years 2021 and 2022.

List any volunteering you have done.

• Volunteer coaching gymnastics for kids at the John Rhodes Community Centre
• Seasonal dance set ups and helping out at my old elementary school-Pinewood Public School
• Over 300 placement hours in the Community Education department at Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School
• Relay For life, for the Canadian Cancer Society with my highschool

What is your most unusual talent?

I can easily do the splits.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

I have been to MANY interesting places such as Banff, Jasper Alberta (Lake Louise), Mount Rushmore, Walt Disney World, Daytona Beach, Atlanta Georgia, and Graceland (Home of Elvis Presley). Those are just some of the few interesting places I have been to, I am sure in my future that there will be many more!!

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In 10 years, I aspire to have achieved substantial success and recognition within my chosen career field, attaining financial stability and establishing a comfortable residence of my own. I envision a lifestyle that affords me abundant opportunities to travel and immerse myself in diverse cultures, continually expanding my horizons and embracing new experiences.

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

Although I have not previously pursued opportunities in modeling or participated in pageants, I have developed a newfound interest in the beauty and pageant industry. My curiosity in this realm has been piqued through exposure to media such as the television show ‘Insatiable’ and the well-known film ‘Dumplin’ where I have gained insights into the world of beauty pageants and its cultural significance.