Age: 19 | Height: 5’9″
Hometown: LaSalle, ON
Kuyan Elliott is approaching her year at the University of Windsor Ontario, studying in the social work program.
Kuyan is determined and motivated to become a successful model, as well as an International Social Worker. Once she graduates with her BSW, she plans to improve her academic credentials by pursuing her MSW and later her PhD.
With this background, Kuyan is hoping to combine her beauty, knowledge, and academic credentials to connect with children on an empathetic and personal level.
She loves working with children and wants to be an Ambassador for them. By participating in children’s lives (house league basketball referee, camp counselor, and working in a hospital),
Kuyan has accumulated strong beliefs in the importance of volunteerism and actively promotes healthy and positive gains in her community.
Kuyan is currently part of a team of volunteers at Windsor Regional Hospital working in the mental health facilities for children and adults. She will work towards improving the quality of life and human well-being of underprivileged populations, and providing them with the resources to do so.
Living an active lifestyle plays a role in her life as she appreciates her ability to participate in competitive travel sports teams and being physically fit. She holds a natural talent to do well at anything she sets her mind to and works well on a team. She is inspired by the innocence that children naturally possess and also walks through life with a light and bubbly outlook. Kuyan sets a great example for those who are around her.
She has a contagious personality that people can’t help but be attracted to. Her greatest asset is her genuine personality, and finds utter joy in putting others before her.
Kuyan has a passion for travelling and takes a special liking to the various geographic areas of the world. Culturally diverse children have a soft spot in Kuyan’s heart, as she is keen to understand, listen to, and invest in their lives.
Sponsored by: b vogue boutique, Pillon Dentistry Professional Corp – Dr. Brent E. Pillon, Richard Lavin Auctions Inc., VOCE Hair Lounge, Secret Nails Professional Nail Care, Family and Friends.
Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).
I speak English fluently.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am interested in networking and reaching out to new people to socialize with them and find out their walk in life. My ideal day would consist of being around the people I love most; creating new memories, watching a movie, and listening to music.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I started taking ballet lessons when I turned six. I continued my ballet lessons and recital’s for four years. I encouraged my cousins to join my ballet class and we all had a great time.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
Ever since I was in grade five, I have actively participated on competitive OUA basketball teams. After so many years, each of my teammates and I developed lasting friendships and we all stayed on the same team until my senior year in high school. I would travel every weekend with the team all over Ontario and certain parts of the United States to compete in tournaments. Breaking records, we went undefeated for 74 straight games.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My oldest sister Kavaughn has made a tremendous imprint on my life. She has encouraged me through every obstacle and achievement I have faced to move forward and be better. She has successfully maintained and continuous to reach her goals in her competitive career. Doing this, she started from scratch and worked her way up to great heights as a genuine person and influential business women. She is my best friend.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
The odds of continuing onto college or university level of education from high school were not likely for someone from my family and personal background. The odds of me being accepted into the University program were slim to none. Getting my congratulations letter in the mail that I had been accepted is a highlight moment for me. I will continue to beat all odds against me.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I tend to take spontaneous road trips whenever I have the chance to. I travel to see interesting places; to see amazing things; and meet great people. Not many women my age are able to travel as I have had the opportunity to.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
The aim is international social work. I would like to work abroad with the diverse populations and aid them with my future professional expertise. To ensure my career excels and I achieve this goal, I have taken it upon myself to get my degree in social work at the University of Windsor, guaranteeing maximum exposure to the best education and training.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
My most desired career that I work towards is managing my own complex for young kids to come for counseling various other degrees of health related activities. I mostly imagine the center for children to be built in a foreign country where diverse cultural populations are conveniently located.
Are you currently a student?
Yes
If yes, where?
University of Windsor
Area of study:
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Are you currently employed?
Yes
If yes, what is your occupation?
Alumni Liaison with Athletics and Recreational Services
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I grew up in Windsor, and moved to a small town called Amerstburg where my loving mother raised my siblings and I. My typical day consisted of coming home to play pretend in our tree fort, dressing up in Indian costumes, and being chased by my big sister for wearing her clothes. To say the least, I would call my childhood an adventure!
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
My most interesting job had me cleaning laundry for older folks. At an old age home, it us not usual for a young teenager such as myself to be seen cleaning dirty laundry.
List any volunteering you have done.
I currently spend a few hours a week devoting my time to Windsor Regional Hospital. My particular role is challenging as I am located in the hospital with mental health for children and adults. I also have contributed my time volunteering for local fundraiser events for prostate cancer. The most popular event where I live is known as the Ride for Dad. It raises sufficient donations to those men diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have also been a Counselor at Guelph Bible Camp, where I was responsible for day and evening care for my group of girls.
What is your most unusual talent?
I can hula-hoop until the street lights come on.
Where is the most interesting place you have been?
This one particular cruise that I went on with my mom, where we stopped at several beautiful islands. Saint Martin was one of the neatest places we stopped at. All of the orange roofed houses are nestled in the mountains, which are then surrounded by what seems like endless, clear-blue waters. It is a breathtaking place.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years I would like to be successfully established with my ideal career as a Doctor in Social Work. And hopefully by that time, I will be married with children.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
What inspired me to have such a deep passion for working with underprivileged children was when I attended a fundraiser and awareness event for the Watoto Children’s Village. The Watoto Children’s Road Tour is a traveling choir of children that have become orphaned as a result of HIV,AIDS, poverty and war.
