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

I have so many different interests. I am particularly fond of acting in community musical theatre productions! What I love most about theatre is the collaborative nature of putting on a show and bringing these characters to life on a stage. It really allows me to walk in another person’s shoes, which can be a useful tool in everyday life!

Other than theatre, I am a certified true crime addict. I have listened to almost every famous case you can imagine. I think the reason I find true crime content to be so compelling is because it allows me to understand human behaviour, put on my detective cap on and seek justice, all encompassed in riveting storytelling.

I also try to find time for my mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activities like hiking and biking on my local nature trails. These outings really help me to keep in shape, while also enjoying the beauty of the nature surrounding me.

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

I have over seven years of formal dance training in ballet, tap, and jazz, including two years competing as part of the competitive team at the Lisa Naves Dance Company in Simcoe, Ontario. To enhance my acrobatic skills, I trained in gymnastics with the Simcoe Gliders Gymnastics Club during the summer seasons.

In addition to my dance and gymnastics background, I have studied acting since the age of 11, with some of my performance credits including Glinda/The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and an ensemble role in Anne of Green Gables to name a few.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

In high school, I was a member of the Holy Trinity Cheerleading Squad for two years, participating in notable events such as the Young Canada Day Cheer Competition at the Norfolk County Fair.

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

The person who has had the greatest influence on my life is my grandmother. From a young age, we shared a close and meaningful relationship, spending countless sleepovers together, where she taught me how to make her famous hot chocolate, and traveling with her to Belgium. These experiences created a strong bond between us and gave me insight into her rich cultural background.

What inspires me most about my grandmother is her extraordinary courage and resilience. At just 18 years old, she made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada all alone. Without money, family, or friends, she stepped into an unknown world driven by the hope of better opportunities and a desire for adventure.

Her journey has had a lasting impact on me, teaching me the importance of embracing challenges and pursuing one’s dreams despite uncertainty. I see her courage reflected in myself, and her example motivates me to approach life with the same tenacity and open-mindedness.

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

One of my proudest personal achievements was gaining admission to the Queens Health Sciences program. This accomplishment required a high level of work ethic and determination to attain the grades necessary for acceptance. Receiving my admission was a moment of immense joy, as it represented the successful culmination of my efforts.

Throughout my studies, I have maintained strong academic performance, completing three years of the program while consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List. Recently, I chose to take a year off to work and save money for the upcoming academic year, as I am self-funding my education. This decision has reinforced my commitment to my goals and taught me lessons about financial responsibility and perseverance.

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 unique thing that has happened to me was that I once lived in a 15th century castle that literally collapsed!

During my third year of university, I had the unique opportunity to study abroad for a semester at Queen’s University’s Bader Castle campus in the UK. For three months, I balanced my studies with travel and cultural exploration.

However, one morning, the university suddenly issued an urgent notice requiring all students to vacate the castle immediately, due to serious structural concerns that compromised safety. As a result, I had to end my semester abroad and return home. I was really disappointed to have to cancel all of my remaining academic/travel plans. On the bright side, the University gave us a partial refund for the semester, so that somewhat made up for it.

Regardless, I wouldn’t change the outcome of these events, because now they make for a funny story to tell!

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

From a young age, I have been driven to pursue a career in medicine. This passion was sparked by the sudden loss of my grandfather to lung cancer. Witnessing his gradual decline and suffering over several months left me feeling helpless, but it was the compassionate care demonstrated by his doctors that truly inspired me. Their dedication to alleviating his pain showed me the profound impact medical professionals can have on patients’ lives. Motivated by this experience, I am committed to using my skills in science to make a meaningful difference. The opportunity to improve even one person’s life through medicine is, to me, the most fulfilling goal I can strive for.

Some steps I am taking to achieve my career goals include finishing my fourth year of my Health Science degree. I am also planning on studying for my MCAT next summer. In addition to this, I will be continuing my extra-curricular activities and volunteer work to help make me a more well-rounded applicant

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be to open up my own Family Physician Clinic.

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

I was raised in Simcoe, a rural town in Southwestern Ontario known for its close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Growing up, I was fortunate to participate in many of the town’s annual events, including the Norfolk County Fair, the Christmas Panorama, and the Friendship Festival. These community gatherings fostered a deep sense of belonging and enriched my childhood experience. Simcoe is also blessed with numerous nature trails, which played a significant role in shaping my early love for biking.

My childhood was happy and fulfilling, supported by two loving and dedicated parents and two younger siblings. Some of my fondest memories involve weekend family outings, such as visiting malls, spending time with grandparents, and exploring the local trails on family bike rides. These experiences strengthened our family bond and instilled in me the importance of family values and togetherness, which remain a central part of my life today.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

In the summer of 2020, my aunt and uncle experienced a shortage of farm workers due to travel restrictions affecting their regular roster of foreign laborers. To assist them, I volunteered to work on their farm and was employed for the season. During this time, I contributed to various agricultural tasks, including harvesting asparagus, weeding ginseng crops, and planting strawberry roots. Although the work involved long hours outdoors in the heat, I found it rewarding to witness the progress we made each day and to know that our efforts contributed to providing fresh produce for Canadian consumers. The physical demands of the job also offered an unexpected benefit in maintaining my waistline haha!

List any volunteering you have done.

I have been fortunate to engage in a variety of volunteer experiences that have shaped my passion for helping others. In my senior year of high school, I joined a mission trip to Guatemala, where we worked at a school in a rural community. During our time there, we built a safety fence around the school, began laying the concrete foundation for a new washroom facility, and assisted in classrooms by helping teach English to the children.

While studying in the UK, I volunteered at The Disability Trust, a privately funded facility that supports individuals with a range of physical and mental disabilities. I helped organize arts and crafts activities, accompanied residents to mealtimes, and assisted with feeding for those with physical limitations.

I’ve also volunteered at Norfolk General Hospital, where I delivered meals to patients and helped restock medical supplies—small contributions that support both staff and patients.

What I cherish most about volunteering is the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level. Hearing their stories and engaging with them reminds me of the humanity at the heart of service.

What is your most unusual talent?

One of my most unusual talents is memorization. Whether it’s a random fact, a detailed concept, or an entire script, I’m able to retain information really quickly. This ability has been especially helpful in my theatre performances, where learning lines and cues is essential. Also for my academic studies, particularly when preparing for science exams that require recall of complex material.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I have visited is India. This past February, I had the opportunity to travel there with my fiancé to attend his cousin’s wedding. It was a remarkable experience that allowed me to connect with his extended family and immerse myself in deep rooted cultural tradition.

During our trip, we explored several cities, including Kolkata, Dehradun, Agra, and New Delhi. One of the highlights was visiting the iconic Taj Mahal which left me breathless. Beyond the historic landmarks and celebrations, the trip definitely expanded my perspective.

Witnessing the contrast between life in India and Canada was eye-opening. I saw firsthand the challenges many people face due to poverty and limited access to opportunity. It made me reflect deeply on the privileges I often take for granted, particularly the freedom and support systems available in Canada. This journey not only enriched me culturally but also helped me grow in empathy and gratitude.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to have established my career in medicine by opening my own family practice clinic. My goal is to create a welcoming, community-centered space where I can provide compassionate care to patients of all ages. Finally, I envision being married and starting a family of my own building a life filled with meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and lasting memories.