Get to know me through the story of my first job, what I used to dream about, realizing those dreams and how they've changed
As we are now a week deep into the 71st Miss World festival I’d like to take a moment to thank anyone who has lent me wardrobe. It is due to the kindness of amazing people in my life that I have been able to look so put together. I am normally in jeans and hiking boots, I don’t have all the nicest dresses, the luxury purses or the best brand names, but I had a dream to represent my country the best I possibly could and I owe a great thanks to my community for making that possible.
I have always loved fashion but growing up in the wind and dust of rural Alberta was never conducive for that. I remember when I got my first official job at 14. I swept cigarettes in the parking lot of a hotel and I was so proud because I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to get a real job so young. I remember getting declined from several places for being too young, but I wanted to save up money to buy myself a car when I turned 16 and I knew it would take time. During this job, a woman had stopped me and asked if I was interested in a career in modelling. I didn’t really think she was serious but felt so flattered and spent several shifts after that dreaming about what life would be like if I was a model.
I dreamt about wearing beautiful dresses and luxury brands. Something that I am doing right now at Miss World. It might sound silly, but the 14-year-old fashionista in me is screaming with excitement every day. But it is no longer because I am wearing fancy dresses or using a designer purse, it is because I have friends who lent me theirs. Because I have people who have supported me greatly, who believe in me and have trusted me to borrow their things across the globe. I am grateful for my friends, my community and my supporters, without each of you, I could never be here. Thank you.
