Mentor Night was an utter success! It was so moving listening to these 4 inspirational women who’s determination and perseverance made them the incredible people they are today. All of these women underwent difficult times in their life and have learned and bettered themselves from those experiences. They honestly blew all of the MTC girls away, from unbelievable public speaking skills to their natural beauty – inside and out.

The first to speak was Melani Chong, the founder and created of Soya Boutique natural skin care. Although, the process to this point in her life was anything but easy! Melani started off by warming up the group of 62 girls. She told us to stand up and relax, roll our shoulders back and take a deep breath. I felt so much more relaxed and clear after that.

Melani went on to talk about her story: In high school she was an athlete and stood for sport, grit and giving it your all. When she was 17 years old, her dad took her to a mall and “coincidentally” Ford Modelling was holding an international search for new recruits. Melani was not interesting in that new world and didn’t believe she could ever be a model. After some convincing from her father, she finally signed up! Lucky for Melani, she was soon called by numerous agencies and signed to Sutherland Modelling Agency. Melani went on to become an unbelievable model, modelling for companies like Dior and MAC Makeup. She went on in her career, becoming a stylist for magazines, fashion shows, photoshoots… The lesson she learned from this is to take on experiences and never tell yourself you can’t do something, be optimistic  and always be open to new experiences because you never know where they will lead you.

Though Melani was going the distance with her “super modelling” and stylizing career, she knew there was more out there to her. She had no intention of closing up opportunities for herself. Melani wanted to leave the MTC girls off with a lesson: Listen to those around you, longevity should be your focus. Always have integrity of what you’re doing and make an impact. With passion, drive and care actions you will be successful… and Melani’s perseverance proved this statement to be very true.

From these experiences Melani Chong developed a personalized skin care line called Soya Boutique! 

Katrina was such a sweetheart! She went above and beyond, she read through each one of our bio’s and wrote friendly notes to each of the 62 finalists. Katrina had an inspiring story to share: She was bullied as a child for being the tall girl, being called mean names like big bird. She tried not to let it get to her and focussed her time on sports. Though her sporting career did not go through because of on injury… she needed to find a new dream.

Katrina told us to always keep opportunities open and if something doesn’t go your way try something new! Her friend then convinced her to try modelling. Katrina started modelling but never thought there was a place for her as a size 12, she was always being turned down for not being the right look or weight for the shoot. This made Katrina go to extreme extents to have the “perfect body”, she developed an eating disorder.

By surrounding herself with positive and healthy people, she overcame this and learned to eat healthy again and became a personal trainer. Katrina knew there was more and still had her dream to be on billboards and on commercials. She took the initiative and moved to Toronto!

2 years ago she had her big moment! She was selected to walk in Toronto Fashion week to represent a different figure. The audience applauded when she stepped out on to the run way – she then realized it is not only her who wants a change. It was such a special moment, it showed her that she was not the only one that are rooting for different look in the fashion world.

She also shared five steps to staying confident:

1) Take care of your body and health

2) Find your own way to forget about the world (Have a hobby!)

3) Attitude or gratitude

4) Forgiveness

5) Life’s short, let go.

Meeting Katrina

Katrina wanted to end with one message: Don’t forget that women don’t know everything. Listen, communicate and don’t ever stop developing your skills and talents. You are always growing. She gave us 5 tips: Take Care of your health and beauty, drink lots of water, carry an attitude of gratitude and always forgive and be the bigger person.

Alexandra is an incredible Canadian athlete, her dedication, perseverance and hardwork led her to many great accomplishments throughout her life. She has dedicated herself to 16 years of Rhythmic Gymnastics, she has swept to win every rhythmic gymnastics event at the Canadian National Championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Her wisdom can be found inside the pages of Pursuit of Victory and she has just published her second motivational book, Breaking Through My Limits: An Olympian Uncovered. Alexandra has the ability to demonstrate, inspire, and teach. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and her love of and support for the athletes movement across Canada and the World are strong and unwavering.

Alexandra is a firm believer that each person is stronger then they think they are and we truly saw that throughout her speech. Just like any teenager, Alexandra was faced with many challenges. At 15 years old, she did not know what rejection was – until she experienced it. After missing the top 20 by one tenth of a point in her first Olympic trials, she hit her “rock bottom”. Thought it was incredible for her to reach that point at such a young age, her world came crashing down.

A couple weeks later, she realized that winning is short lived, its about the journey who makes you who you are.

Meeting Alexandra

Just like the Miss Teen Canada Pageant there is only one winner out of 62 girls, this competition isn’t about winning for me – that would be amazing – but it it is about taking this experience and using the skills I have learned towards my future. I am so lucky to be here!

Alexandra did not let this experience get to her, she went on to represent Canada internationally and is an international record holder. Her drive and hardwork really paid off! Your dreams really can happen if you try your hardest and don’t let others bring you down. All you need is a little extra effort and passion, and if your realistic, you can always achieve it.

Dr. Natalie Archer is a dynamic Toronto dentist who began her dental career in 2001. She is a powerful speaker and role model, she has managed to have a career and a family while building a career as a hospital dentist. She told us that we should have dreams and goals, however, those dreams and goals should be calculated and educated. You cannot only want something, you need to work and push yourself to get to that place.You need to educate yourself on how to get there and do everything you can to achieve that goal. Dr. Archer gave a piece of advice that really stuck with me, she said to keep as many opportunities as possible open. She used a very interesting analogy to explain this further. She told us to “build your web”.

She gave us four very important pieces of advice that I am definitely planning to follow:

1. Make calculated business risks

2. Set limits, create strong relationships and do not lose yourself

3. Have a family before the time is not right

4. Get involved!

Each and everyone of these women were incredibly inspirational, I feel honoured to have met them and learned about their lives and stories!

My roommate Tawni

Miss Teen Canada has finally started and it’s already incredible and full of surprises! Today I realized how fortunate I am that all the girls are coming to Toronto, the drive over to the hotel was only 20 minutes and others had a 5 hour plane ride! They do get to explore the beauty of Toronto and have an experience of a lifetime… so the 5 hours is definitely worth it!

After Tawni and I received our provincial sashes we decided to have a little fun and take some photo's!

When I arrived at my room I was greeted by my friendly roommate Tawni April from Saskatchewan. We hit it off and are already good friends! There are so many incredible girls here who have done so many inspirational things with their platform and title. It’s great to hear the other girls experiences from the pageant and how they have bettered themselves from it.

We received incredible gifts from MTC’s sponsors today!

Just the beginning of the sponsor's gifts

S-Trip! gave us a pair of sunglasses that we can hopefully wear on a trip with this amazing organization. Along with a bag and info pamphlets on available trips for this coming year! All of which I would be so excited to attend.

Trying on our new sunglasses!

Sallazzo gave us cute and comfortable slip-on shoes with MTC-W 2012 printed on the side. How cool! It will also be a great break from walking in high heels all week.

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics gave us nail-polish and a nail filing and cleaning kit. The polishes they carry are edgy and fun, but above all, high quality. Im looking forward to trying my new metallic purple colour!

Host: Francesca McFadden

Title: Teen Talk

Genre: Talk Show

Network: OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)

Cast: Host – Francesca McFadden and chosen guest

Sponsors: Toronto Academy of Acting, MAC Cosmetics, Aveda Institute

Running Time: 30 mins

Introduction: ”Teen Talk” is a talk show with inspiring true stories and solutions to real life problems that youth are struggling with. The goal of the show is to encourage teenagers to overcome their fears and challenge themselves to do something incredible.

Purpose: Problems that teenagers are faced with today can take so many forms. Even in stable household, teenagers will face confusion and uncertainty with themselves and life. “Teen talk” is a look into problems and issues that teenagers deal with as they learn about life, choices and the power of their own voice and beliefs.

Every week, Francesca McFadden, the host of “Teen Talk” will discuss one particular contemporary issue facing today’s teenage population. Some examples of issues that will be discussed are teen depression, body image, sibling rivalry, bullying, schooling and substance abuse. The show will give the viewer solutions to these issues and simple ways to avoid it altogether.

Teenagers today become embarrassed about touchy subjects like these and don’t feel comfortable talking about an issue they have. “Teen talk” will help encourage teens to take risks and overcome their obstacles.

After the advice portion has ended, Francesca McFadden will interview teens across Canada who have had to overcome difficult times in their lives, similar to the topic named firstly in the episode. These teens have taken a negative experience and made it undeniably positive. The guest will discuss their personal story and how they have changed themselves from it.

At the end of each episode, the guest on the show will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Toronto Academy of Acting. This will motivate teens to do something amazing and hopefully be the next guest on the show.

Success: Teenagers are always looking for what’s fresh and new… Teen Talk will be an original series unalike any show out there! All the problems that teens face will be addressed, since the host of the show is enrolled in high school and understands what it is like to be a teenager. Youth can relate to each episode and be given lifelong advice in each episode. It teaches teens that you don’t need to live with the issues you are facing, instead to take on the problem and make a difference.

Poster:

Why the sponsors are so important:

Toronto Academy of Acting presents acting students of all ages with a challenging friendly atmosphere to train in various individual film acting courses. The programs offered give the student a look into the world of film and acting and helps build self confidence. The school would play a major part in the television program by providing scholarships for each of the guests on the show.

Mac is a professional makeup company that was founded in Toronto, Ontario. It is one of the top brands sold across Canada and is a proud sponsor of “Teen Talk”. Each inspirational guest that comes on the show has their makeup professionally done with some of the top beauty products out there.

Aveda Institute is a hair and beauty school that showcases creativity and talent at its finest. Aveda’s philosophy of wellness, healing and social responsibility sets them apart from other beauty brands. Beauty is as Beauty Does. Students from the school work their magic on each guest of the episode and it truly shows on camera.

As a Miss Teen Canada- World 2012 finalist, we were asked to write about our dream vacation with S-Trip!. If I could travel anywhere in the world, my dream vacation would definitely be to travel to across Europe! Lucky for me, S-Trip! is known to offers incredible programs that guarantee an awesome adventure for you and your friends… and the Euro-trip is one of them!

Take off on an adventure!

One of my favourite things to do is to travel, I love exploring new cultures and taking on new experiences. Each and every time I travel I prove to myself that I can do something new! I love to dream big and reach for new challenges. If I go on the Euro trip there will be plenty of stories of different adventures to go home with. Maybe if I’m lucky I may learn a new language! Well, maybe not an entire language – but it’s a start.

Explore!

One of the places in Europe I would love to explore is Italy! Since I am of Italian decent I am interested in learning about exploring the origins of my family. Italy is known to have an interesting history and has more than half of the works of art (monuments and masterpieces) and sights of the entire world! I would love to enjoy this beautiful country with all of the Miss Teen Canada girls – I know we would have so much fun! There are many places I would love to visit:

The Vatican is one of them! It is known to be one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world and it still follows some of the old traditions from the past.

I would love to visit the Sardinia Beaches they are some of the most breathtaking beaches along the entire Mediterranean Sea. The weather in Italy is so nice, so why not take advantage of that! From swimming through the blue water to reading a great book in the sand – there is always something to do. It’s a great opportunity to get my tan on!

Since Italian food is my absolute favourite, I would love to visit Florence. Florence is known to have the best pizza, it is to die for! The pizzas are usually baked in a wood burning stove and there is nothing better than an authentic Italian pizza Margherita when you are hungry! I couldn’t imagine pasta being better anywhere else then Italy itself.

Why many come to visit Rome, and never leave? I would LOVE to find out! Rome has countless things to see, to do and to undergo, and you experience kaleidoscopic sensations every day! From – The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum… There is so much to do!

BONUS: Italian people are known to be the most friendly, most welcoming and most hospitable people in the world! Mingling among the locals is the best way to sample real European culture. I would love to make a friend from Italy, anyways, Facebook can be a great way to keep in touch!

S-Trip! has planned completely unique tours that are full of the best sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of Europe. It is undeniable that it will be an experience for any high school or university student to enjoy! They are dedicated to offering the highest quality, educational trip programs for youth and young adults.

Everyone loves to try something new and travelling can be the perfect solution. S-Trip makes travel dreams come true and leaves you with incredible memories that will last forever.

My platform is bringing awareness of the harmful effects of cigarettes to teens.

Be smart - dont start

High school is the time where teens are experimenting and unfortunetly smoking is one of the bad habits that teens are exploring. Each day, between 82,000 and 99,000 young people around the world start smoking and those who start smoking before age 21 have the hardest time quitting.

Most people know that smoking kills and is the most common cause of lung cancer, then why do teens start smoking? Children are not born with the desire to smoke – there are many factors that contribute to this terrible habit:

Reasons why teens try smoking

Peer pressure

Smoking isn't cool - being healthy is

A teen’s first cigarette usually comes from a friend. Peer pressure has tremendous impact on a young person’s decision to experiment with cigarettes. You are influenced by the people around you and that can be positive, but it can also be very negative if you surround yourself with the wrong people. Studies have revealed that the rate of smoking among children with three or more friends who smoke is 10 times greater in comparison to the rate among children who do not have friends who smoke. Other teens who are trying to find themselves experiment with cigarettes and become addicted. Smoking is also viewed as an act of rebellion and a way to demonstrate independence

The Media

Don't puff your life away

The media has a major impact on a teens decision to smoke. Smoking is portrayed as glamorous, sexy and macho in the mass media. Movies portray smoking as living the high life and being “cool.” To impressionable teens who are trying to fit in, the belief that smoking can somehow gain them social acceptance is enough to cause them to run out and purchase their first pack of cigarettes. Movie stars are the role models for many teenagers. Seeing celebrities smoke on or off screen sends a powerful message to them!

Sense of immortality

Keep your eyes open to the reality of smoking

Teens may also underestimate how difficult it will be to quit this habit later, thinking: “I can quit whenever I want”. Lung cancer, chronic cough and other diseases seem like “old people’s diseases”. Teen smokers usually believe that they will be unaffected by the harmful effects of smoking because they plan to quit before they become an adult, but in reality most teens continue smoking well past early adulthood.

Teens don’t always understand the difficulty involved in quitting and believe that they can stop whenever they want to. Many times teenagers simply don’t know all the harmful effects of smoking. This is why educating our youth is so important!

7 Reasons not to smoke or to quit smoking

1. Smoking under age 18 is illegal. Using, holding, or buying of cigarettes can get you in serious trouble, especially around school. In regards to school, you can be suspended, or even expelled!

2. Smoking reduces your ability to do things that require endurance, such as sports, etc. The tar in the cigarettes covers up alveoli, which help you breathe, which makes for less surface area for gas exchange. In other words, you must breathe more to get the same amount of oxygen as if you didn’t smoke. So the effect that has on sports is that you will get tired quicker due to a lack of oxygen, which inevitably reduces your endurance.

Put it out before it puts you out

3. The nicotine in cigarettes are extremely addictive, and, chances are that if you start early, then it’ll be harder to quit the habit.

4. Smoking can seriously harm your body in ways of cancer, emphysema, etc. Also, it leads to your early demise.

5. Bad breath and body odor. Most smokers develop a condition called halitosis, or persistent bad breath. Also, the smell of cigarette and its smoke tends to stay on one’s hair, clothes and skin.

6. Unhealthy skin. Smoking restricts blood vessels, thereby preventing the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.

7. Smoking kills. Lung cancer is one of the top preventable cancers in the world. Not smoking significantly decreases risk of lung cancer. Aside from lung cancer, smoking also causes several other serious diseases like heart attack, stroke, emphysema, pregnancy complications, and other cancers.

Aveda Institute gave all the Miss Teen Canada girls an opportunity to do an act of kindness and video tape the results. Best of all, the winner receives $500 that will be donated to free the children charity under their name. WOW!

I had an awesome time filming my Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good video. I absolutely love making cupcakes – so why not sell them for a great charity! Free the Children is such an inspirational organization and stands for such positive values. For the past 6 weeks, I have been going door-to-door selling these delicious cupcakes and have raised over $400!

Please watch my video here and ‘heart it’. It takes one second and it would mean the world to me. Please help my $400 – change to $900!

I hope you enjoy the video

Number 1: John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Spray

No need for the lemon juice routine! I really love this spray because it is so easy to use and makes my hair look lighter naturally. Just spray the formula on your roots to create lighter tresses and a highlighted look. I love that it gradually lightens your hair so it matches your natural color and works great to make your hair shine. I recommend this product to anyone with blonde or close-to blonde hair.

Number 2: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

This is hands down the best conditioner I have ever tried. Its great! It acts like a deep conditioner, but for anytime. I noticed a difference right away! If you have long hair like me – it can be very difficult keeping it healthy and strong. This gentle conditioner works miracles, it moisturizes, smooths, softens, and detangles my hair. All those wonderful benefits in one tube! What more can I ask for?

Number 3: Spectro Jel Cleanser

I have been using this facial cleanser for years and it is definitely my favourite! It’s inexpensive, lasts forever, and makes your skin feel soft and clean. I’ve tried other face washes and nothing has compared to Spectro Jel. I recommend this face wash for everyone. It makes your face feel wonderful and blemish free. BONUS – it’s a Canadian brand!

Number 4: Colgate Optic White Toothpaste

Tooth whitening products can get pricey, with some strip packages going for around $30-$50 in stores and professional whitenings can run you hundreds of dollars. Forget that, and keep your teeth glistening with a hydrogen peroxide paste that promises results similar to sticky strips. I really loved the results that I’ve had with Colgate Optic White. I have been using the toothpaste daily for one month now, and my smile is most definitely whiter, brighter and my teeth look great.

Number 5: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Don’t let the sun be your excuse for dry lips, keep them moisturized with Burt’s Bees lip balm – every day of the year.  This lip balm, compared to others, really reaches deeper into the cracks of your lips and in areas that need repairing. My lips instantly felt and looked smoother and healthier.  I can’t go anywhere without this product, it is a must have!

Summer Bucket List

It’s summer and its time to go CRAZY! Just kidding, but it is a perfect time to have fun with your friends. So, why not make the very most of it! Every summer I make a list a mile long of things I’d like to do and only accomplish half of them. What if i write out my list? Since I am definitely going to want to cross them all off – I will finally be able to complete it! Now you can too!

Check out my 2012 Summer Bucket List:

Say “YES” to everything for a day

Say "YES" to life

Have you have seen the movie Yes Man? Where Jim Carey says yes to everything and has insane adventures because of it? Finally open up opportunities you never knew were possible. Spend the day with your best friend and the both of you will do it together, guaranteeing a day full of laughs, awkward moments, and unexpected experiences!

Ride a roller coaster

If you live in Ontario – go to Canada’s Wonderland and try the new ride Leviathan. Have the thrill of your life and plunge 93.3 metres on the ride’s initial drop at an angle of 80 degrees while reaching speeds of 148 km/h. It is wicked cool and an adventure you can brag to your friends that you have the guts to complete!

Go to a drive in movie

Let your car bring you back in time!

You can drive to a movie theater, or, you could go somewhere entirely more original and fun: the drive-in theater. Yes, they do still exist. Have a whole new adventure with your friends by enjoying your favorite movies, while relaxing in your car – or more likely your parents car. BONUS – no more over priced popcorn, bring whatever snacks you would like!

Have a picnic

Pack an elaborate lunch, go to your favorite park, and just enjoy a nice day out with some friends. This isn’t the craziest and most fun idea out there, but it’s just a sincere and nice time with your friends.

Go camping in your backyard

Enjoy camping with no fear of bears!

Pitch the tent, have a bonfire, and make some memories. Get a small group of friends and just enjoy the great outdoors with the luxury of going right inside whenever you need to. You’ll have fun struggling with your friends to set up the tent and start the fire and it’s nice for you and your friends to have the privacy you want and the whole yard to yourself. So roast some marshmallows, stay up late, and have a good time!

Go out to a fancy Dinner

Get a group a friends, dress up, and go out to a super nice restaurant in the city. Make sure you all look cute and take lots of pictures. It’s a great excuse to dress up and spend a fun night out with your girls.

Go jet skiing

Ride the waves!

Let your adventurous side out, bring your friends and rent a Jet ski. Splash through the water and have enjoy the sun. Be in control of  your fun for the day. Jet skiing is an experience that is guaranteed enthral, and one you will want to do again!