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

I’ve always found joy in movement, connection, and nature. I grew up in a small mountain town, where my love for practicing yoga, especially outdoors, began. These days, I still spend a lot of time on the mat, often with close friends by my side. There’s something special about sharing that kind of grounding experience. Before yoga, I was a competitive dancer, and I still feel deeply connected to contemporary movement. Performing has always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others on a more emotional level. I’m also an avid reader, especially of books that invite reflection and help us explore a deeper sense of purpose within ourselves. Time in nature is another essential part of my life, whether it’s a quiet hike or a daily walk with my dog, Finn, it helps me feel centered and connected. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build a close-knit, loving circle of friends. We spend time doing things that nourish us, like crafting, celebrating holidays, laughing together, and, of course, going to yoga. I also have a deep love for cooking and trying new foods. Sharing a meal is one of the most heartfelt ways to connect. There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with people you care about.

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

I spent 13 years immersed in competitive dance, training in ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz. Dance has always held a special place in my heart. While I decided to step away from it at 16 to dedicate myself to my academics fully, I never lost my love for the art. Having completed my degree, I’ve found my way back to dance, and it feels incredibly meaningful to reconnect with something that shaped so much of who I am. Contemporary dance, in particular, speaks to me on a deep level. I feel a strong connection to the performing arts and truly cherish the performance experience. It’s a space where I feel most alive and authentic.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

In high school, I participated in track and field and was surprised to find success in long jump, something I didn’t know I had a talent for. My journey ended after high school, but it was a fun and rewarding experience!

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

One of the most influential people in my life is Judy, my childhood tutor and longtime neighbor in the Crowsnest Pass. She was a close friend of my grandmother’s and began working with me when I was just 10 years old, then again consistently from ages 13 to 17. Judy had a remarkable way of seeing and understanding the heart of who I was, not just as a student, but as a person. With endless patience and compassion, she came over every day after school to help me, especially with subjects like math and chemistry that I struggled with. But her support extended far beyond academics. During some of the most emotionally difficult times in high school, Judy made sure I was supported. She stood by me with quiet strength and helped ensure I earned my high school diploma, opening the door for me to pursue post-secondary education. To this day, Judy remains one of the most selfless and impactful people I’ve ever known. Her kindness and belief in me changed the course of my life. I carry her influence with me always, and I hope to one day make even a fraction of the difference in someone else’s life that she made in mine.

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

One of my most meaningful personal accomplishments was completing two independent studies through the Department of Liberal Education at my university, where I conducted original research on the mental health and lived experiences of recent graduates transitioning out of post-secondary education. These projects centered on a relatively underexplored but deeply resonant phenomenon often referred to as “post-grad blues” — the emotional, psychological, and existential challenges that many young adults face when moving from the structured environment of academia into the ambiguous terrain of adulthood.

Through extensive qualitative research, including personal narratives and reflective case studies, I examined how this transitional period often triggers identity crises, shifting priorities, and internal conflict as individuals attempt to reconcile their personal values with societal expectations, particularly in late-stage capitalism and modern career culture. My work illuminated how these struggles are not only common but also deeply shaped by larger systemic and cultural forces, offering a lens through which to better understand the evolving nature of early adulthood in today’s world.

What made this experience especially meaningful was that my research was later integrated into course material for a course on early career development taught by my supervising professor. I am deeply proud of knowing that my work was used and that it may help others feel seen, validated, and better equipped to navigate this challenging life stage. It affirmed for me the power of academic inquiry to generate empathy, foster dialogue, and support social and emotional well-being.

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

This is such a random story, but when I was eighteen and at the orthodontist, there was a rescue dog adoption event happening next door. I walked in, saw this adorable, young dog, and we just clicked. I knew right then and there he was meant to be mine. So, I took him home that very night! He’s been my best friend and constant companion ever since. We have done so much growing up together.

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

My career ambition has always been to become a counselling psychologist. I recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with minors in Sociology and Indigenous Health. This academic foundation has solidified my commitment to pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. Through my Indigenous Health courses, I gained a deeper understanding of my responsibility as a future practitioner to uphold cultural competency. These courses revealed gaps in my prior education, particularly around the ongoing legacy of colonialism, structural violence, and systemic inequities in Canada. They fundamentally shifted my understanding of history, health, and justice, prompting me to reflect on my role as an uninvited settler and recognize how both my family and I have benefited from colonial systems. My studies in Sociology further deepened this perspective, helping me understand how social systems operate and how systemic barriers continue to shape access to care. Sociology challenged me in ways I truly needed, pushing me to critically reflect on my own position within these systems and how they influence the way we think, behave, and relate to one another. While I feel confident in my direction, I also recognize the importance of ongoing personal growth. It’s essential to continue learning, engaging in self-reflection, and gaining life experience to offer support with authenticity and integrity. I care deeply about people and know, with both heart and conviction, that this is the work I’m meant to do.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to establish a fulfilling career as a counselling psychologist. However, I also have a deep passion for dance and performing, so ideally, I’d love to have a career that combines both worlds. Picture this: counselling psychology by day and dancing, or even being in a movie, by night! Having the best of both worlds would truly be a dream job.

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

My upbringing was challenging. I experienced complex trauma and family violence. Those early years were challenging and impacted my emotional well-being, self-esteem, and sense of self-worth. Growing up in the Crowsnest Pass, a small community filled with care and connection, made a profound difference in my life. There, I found safety and support through meaningful relationships with educators, coaches, and the parents of friends. Their kindness and consistency gave me stability during an otherwise turbulent time. I truly believe that the community around me helped guide my life in a much more hopeful direction.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

My first job was at a health food store when I was just 14, where I worked as a receptionist. Despite my age, I was given many responsibilities, from managing appointment bookings and handling direct billing of insurance claims to opening and closing the store, maintaining product knowledge, and ensuring treatment rooms were cleaned and ready. Working alongside massage therapists, a naturopath, chiropractors, and an acupuncturist gave me a deep appreciation for diverse approaches to health and wellness. It was a formative experience that shaped my open mind. Later, during university, I worked at La Senza, a completely different but equally valuable experience. It was a fun, fast-paced environment where I built lasting friendships and gained a strong understanding of customer service and the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. Both roles taught me so much about professionalism, communication, and how we connect with and support others. My experience as a first responder in the field of sexual violence was both deeply humbling and profoundly transformative. In this role, I was entrusted with the responsibility of supporting individuals who had experienced sexual violence, offering emotional support, providing community resources, advocating for individual needs with medical staff, transporting evidence kits, and participating in educational outreach. It was my first role directly connected to my area of study, and it taught me more than I ever could have anticipated, not only about the work itself, but about the emotional strength and ethical grounding it requires. This experience also gave me firsthand insight into the realities of frontline work, the complexities of navigating systems, the emotional toll it can take, and the critical importance of debriefing, peer support, and mental health care.

List any volunteering you have done.

This year I began volunteering with the Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Office at my university. I’ve had the opportunity to lead educational booths, engage peers in conversations about consent, and support initiatives like International Women’s Day, all while promoting on-campus resources for prevention and support. This experience has been enriching, both personally and socially, as it allowed me to forge lasting connections through shared efforts. Volunteering has played an integral role in my academic journey. In the summer of 2023, I volunteered as a student assistant for a sociology course, where I attended weekly classes, facilitated small group discussions, and created study materials to help students. In the spring of 2024, I expanded my volunteer work to the Linguistics and Phonetics Lab, where I participated twice a week as a research assistant. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter during high school, spending time with the dogs and cats! Growing up, I often volunteered at my grandmother’s church throughout the year. They hosted various community events, charity fundraisers, senior socials, tea parties, and Christmas banquets, and I was always happy to help. My older sibling and I would wash dishes, serve food, and chat with guests at their tables. We used to have so much fun together, and even though we were working, it never felt like a chore. I love looking back on those moments; they were full of laughter. Lastly, I travelled to Northern India with a group of young adults in high school to help build a school in a rural community. While there, I had the privilege of learning about the local culture and socio-political climate, and the experience of connecting with the people was truly life-changing.

What is your most unusual talent?

I can recite the alphabet backwards just as quickly as I can forwards.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

One of the most fascinating places I’ve had the chance to visit is Rajasthan, India. Experiencing the rich culture, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking palaces made it one of the most memorable and meaningful travel experiences of my life.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I plan to live by the ocean with Finn and a few other dogs by our side. I’d love for him to experience the beach, feel the sand under his paws, and play in the waves. I imagine early mornings learning to surf, salt in the air, and the kind of peace that only the sea can offer. By then, I hope I’ve had the chance to travel as much as possible—especially through Asia, and that I’m practicing as a psychologist. I dream of continuing in the pageant world, not just for the stage, but for the doors it might open to raise awareness about adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma. I also hope to have pursued another degree, perhaps in Indigenous health or Public Health, fields I’m incredibly passionate about. I’d love to spend time tree planting or working with environmental organizations like Ocean Clean-Up. But more than anything, I want to build a life that supports my siblings. They are my foundation; being there for them is one of my deepest hopes. I’m not chasing extravagance, just a peaceful, joyful, humble life filled with purpose, connection, and love.