Hello everyone!!

Only two more sleeps before I leave for Toronto to embark on one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Guess what!? You get to experience it right along with me because I will be posting my day to day activities on my blog leading up to July 25th! Be sure to check out my blog every day to get up-to-date information!

Alright, let's get down to the point.....it is now time for blog assignment #3. If you didn't know already, as a finalist for Miss Teen Canada-world I am required to complete blog assignments which will count towards my final score. I will be judged on writing skills and aesthetics of my blog. Here is blog assignment #3...

If you were the Marketing Director for Free The Children and you had to chose one

image from the photo gallery http://www.freethechildren.com/mediaroom/photos.php

to expand into a poster for global distribution, which one would you choose? and why?

Blog assignment #3:

If I was the Marketing Director for Free The Children this is the image I would choose to expand into a poster for global distribution.

To me this is a very powerful photo, and caught my eye the fastest out of all the other photos on www.freethechildren.com .

When I look at this picture I want to make a difference; to make the lives of these children better. This is a photo of a student in

Kenya holding a single pencil with a smile on his face. Even the smallest things, like a pencil to write and draw with can make a huge difference in a childs life. This may be the pencil this boy uses to write his first words or numbers. Maybe he will use this pencil to draw his first picture. Any contribution made to Free the Children could change the life of a child in need and by seeing this picture I want to be that change. Please visit www.freethechildren.com for more information on this amazing charity and remember "Be the change you want to see in the world"--Ghandi.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog assignment and I hope this picture inspired you as much as it inspired me. Be sure to check out my blog tomorrow!

Cheers!

Taylor Stronski- Miss Teen Claresholm-World

Hi Everyone,

This is my Second Blog assignment and it is posted for my friend as well as another Miss Teen Canada-World Finalist, Taylor Stronski. There will also be a Post from Taylor about her Town of Claresholm. This Post will be found on my page!

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

As Miss Teen Saskatoon-World 2009, I am hoping that you will come and visit My beautiful City of Saskatoon, SK, Which I call home. There are so many fun and exciting things to do and beautiful things to see.  I am hoping that you consider coming to visit Saskatoon, A place that you shouldn't miss!

Tourist Attractions

There are so many things to do and see in Saskatoon. You can start off by visiting our newest attraction, River Landing which is still being updated, but is a wonderful place to come and hang out with your friends and family, stores to shop at, and resturaunts to dine, as well as some amazing entertainment. It is along the edge of the Beautiful Saskatchewan River, which is an attraction itself, you cannot miss it!

You can also take a great tour of the Saskatchewan River offered by the Shearwater River cruises, This is a great way to se the City of Saskatoon and enjoy a relaxing ride with a beverage of your choice, this is a tour that goes on for four hours, giving you the experience to see Saskatoon, an Experince of a lifetime. The prices are also very affordable, giving you more of a option to try this cruise out and experience a once in a lifetime ride. The Prices are as follows:

                                    Adult $17.00

                                    Seniors $16.00

                                    Children under six 10.00

                                    Students(School or University level) $16.00

                                    Infants Ride Free!!

Restaurants

There are also many tasty restaurants in Saskatoon, that you need to try, some of them consist of:

1) Alexanders Restaurant and Bar: This is personally one of my Favorite Restaurants, with great music, welcoming service and best of all Great food, They are located at 414 Cumberland Avenue North, which is also right across from The University of Saskatchewan.

2) Earls Restaurant and Lounge: Another one of my Favorite paces to dine. Great Interior design, food, service and music. You have to try Earls, located at 210 2nd Avenue North. "Earls...a place where it's easy...a place to connect and have fun...a place to nourish your body and soul...very simply...a place where life is better. Check us out!"

3) Saskatoon Station Place: Located at 221 Idylwyld North, this is a wonderful and exciting restaurant that is a main attraction when you come to Saskatoon. This historically designed and welcoming restaurant is a place you cannot pass by. They specialize in the area of Prime rib and Steak. They are truly a hit within the City of Saskatoon.

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskathewan is known as one of the best and  most beautiful Universities in all of North America. Arts and Science is one of the most popular departments at the University and is in fact the place that I, Miss Teen Saskatoon-World 2009 will be taking her classes this fall starting September 2nd.  "The University of Saskatchewan belongs to the people of Saskatchewan. As an academic community, our mission is to achieve excellence in the scholarly activities of teaching, discovering, preserving and applying knowledge". This is a huge University that offers many departments and areas of study, giving the students a great education and memories to look back on.

Shopping

Saskatoon isn't usually the reason why people come here for, though we do have a couple pretty good malls, which include some great stores. The two main malls here is Saskatoon are:

1) Midtown Plaza: This is the biggest mall that we have in Saskatoon,and is the mall that many of the people living in saskatoon go to to shop. It has been around for a while and has a great old unique look to it. You cannot miss it, as it pretty big and it is located downtown where it is one of the main attractions down in that area. Midtown Plaza also branches off two other store chains, The Bay and Sears.

2) Mall at Lawson Heights: This is another mall, that has many good stores as well. it is located by many schools, which makes it a great palce for students to go have lunch on there break from school. It is also a nice environment and is clean, fairly big and a good place to come and hang out with your friends and shop around.

These are some awsome attractions and place to see around the Beautiful City of Saskatoon, to see more of how Saskatoon is Amazing, you should come and visit. So make it your next destination. It will definetly be a place that you will never forget. For more information message me. Michelle Leas, Miss Teen Saskatoon-World 2009 at michelle_leas03@hotmail.com.

Hey everyone!!

Wow it has been a busy past few weeks.... recitals, graduation, provincial examinations, and of course preparing for Miss Teen Canada-World which takes place in mid July. As a part of the pageant each finalist is required to submit blog assignments. These assignments are taken in as a part of your score and are marked based on creativity, and writing skills.

The first assignment is to imagine that you are the star of your own TV show and to incorporate 3 of the many Miss Teen Canada-World sponsors into it. So, here we go......this is my first assignment.

Show title: Lips, Hair, and Brains: The New Triple Threat

"Lips, Hair and Brains: The New Triple Threat"

is a reality T.V. show in which the finalists for the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant compete for the chance to be the face of Kitchen Orange clothing company, be on the cover of faze magazine (www.fazeteen.com), and influence young girls in a positive way by creating an advice section on the website www.beinggirl.ca .

The competition will span over a year with one girl leaving the show every week. Each week a different challenge will be presented to the girls and depending on how well the girls do, they will either be saying their goodbyes or continuing in the competition. Here are a few examples of the challenges that will be presented to the girls:

Week 1: Makeup challenge - the girls will watch a professional makeup artist create a stunning look on a model and then try and create the same look themselves. If they are to be the face of a major clothing line they must know how to do their makeup.

Week 2: Fitness challenge - the last girl standing wins! A healthy body is very important and will help them be more positive role models for youth.

Week 3: Canadian history test - Knowing the history of our Country is very important. The winner will not only be beautiful from the inside out but they will be a very smart, motivated person who is willing to learn new things.

Week 4: Modeling Kitchen Orange - The girls will walk the runway in Kitchen Orange clothing. Check out Kitchen Orange clothing at www.shopkitchenorange.ca .

Week 5: Each girl will be given a question in which the must present their best writing skills and give advice on the subject. The best answer will be posted on www.beinggirl.ca

Along with the challenges the girls will be judged on overall behaviour, and their ability to fundraise for a charity of their choice. When the girls aren't competing in the challenges they will be raising money and volunteering at events.

This show represents the pageant part of my life. Being a part of a national pageant, let alone any pageant, is a completely new thing to me and I think it would be really neat to have a show like this. My show incorporates three amazing sponsors: Kitchen Orange, Faze magazine, and www.beinggirl.ca.

This show would be a complete success and young girls would love it. Not only would the show be entertaining but it would give youth someone to look up to: the amazing finalists of the 2009 Miss Teen Canada-World pageant!

~Taylor Stronski, Miss Teen Claresholm-World

Hey everyone!

Well we can safely say June has arrived and coming with it.... exams! With four diploma exams to write this semester it's hard not to get stressed out, so here are a few tips I found that have helped me alot with studying and writing exams! Enjoy!

When you take a test,
you are demonstrating your ability to understand course material or perform certain tasks.  Successful test taking avoids carelessness.

Examples of objective tests are true-false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank.

Examples of subjective texts are short answer, essay, or oral exams

NB:  If you have any doubts about the fairness of tests, 
or of the ability of tests to measure your performance, 
please see your academic counseling service.

These suggestions may help you avoid careless errors!

Prepare:

• Analyze how you did on a similar test in the past
  Review your previous tests, and sample tests, especially when studying for the final exam.
  Each test prepares you for the next:  the more tests you take, the better you will develop your test taking strategies.
• Arrive early for tests
  Before a test, list everything you will need for it that is allowed.
  (pencils/pens, calculator, dictionary, watch, etc.) 
  Good preparation helps you focus on the task at hand
• Be comfortable but alert
  Choose a good spot in the room and make sure you have enough space to work,
  maintain comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch"
• Stay relaxed and confident
  Keep a good attitude.
  Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well. 
  If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax
  Don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious

Test Taking:

• Read the directions carefully
  This may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors
• If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview
  Note key terms, jot down brief notes
  If you can, mark the test or answer sheet with comments that come to mind.
  Ask if that is permitted!
• Answer questions in a strategic order:
  1. Answer easy questions first
     to build confidence, score points, and mentally orient yourself to vocabulary, concepts, and your studies.  It may also help you make associations with more difficult questions.
  2. Then difficult questions or those with the most point value
     With objective tests, first eliminate those answers you know to be wrong, or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where two options are so similar as to be both incorrect.
     With essay questions, broadly outline your answer and sequence the order of your points.
• Review:
  Resist the urge to leave as soon as you have completed all the items
  Review your test to make sure that you
  • have answered all questions
  • did not mis-mark answers
  • did not make simple mistakes

Proofread spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points, etc.

Change answers to questions if you made a mistake, or misread the question
or if you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your first choice is incorrect

Decide on and adopt study strategies that work best for you
Review your test preparation and identify those habits that worked well and replace those that don't!

Hope this helps a bit!

Wishing you the best of luck,

Taylor Stronski, Miss Teen Claresholm-World

Hey everyone!

Besides participating in the Relay for life this past weekend, I also has the pleasure of being a volunteer at the Canadian Cancer Society's Underwear Affair for cancers "below the belt".

My job as a volunteer consisted of answering questions as well as leading the participants on their 5km walk. Although the forecast predicted rain all afternoon on the sixth of June , not one drop of rain fell on our heads as we trecked along paths of downtown Calgary. As you can see from the picture to the left, the costumes were pretty awesome! The chilly weather didn't stop Calgarians from coming out and supporting an important cause. Here is a little information about the event:

Participation in the Underwear Affair helps lift the taboo connected with cancers below the waist.  Why are these cancers considered “taboo”? These cancers affect areas of the body that may be uncomfortable to talk about and that are often seen as embarrassing or shameful. Some people may not even want to see a physician to get screened for these types of cancers. This makes care and treatment an unexplored option to some of those who need it. Shedding light on these cancers means more awareness and more funding, making research and treatment a reality.  

Proceeds from the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair support Alberta Cancer Board research and patient
programs at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and 15 other cancer
centres throughout the province.

These cancers account for 33% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Alberta each year. The Alberta Cancer Board is a model for cancer care and control around the world and is leading the way in uncovering cures and putting prostate, colorectal, ovarian, cervical and other cancers below the waist, behind us.

The Underwear Affair is helping to shed some light on these often hidden and under-funded cancers.

Please visit    http://www.uncoverthecure.org/index.html for more information.

I had ALOT of fun being a volunteer for the Underwear Affair and look forward to participating in the one next year. Not only do you raise money for a very important cause but it is also a very fun and exciting event. You get to dress up in basically anything you want as well as groove to some awesome music at the afterparty, which begins when the first runner crosses the finish line! There are prizes for the best costumes and awards for the fastest runners. I would highly reccomend finding the Undearwear Affair nearest to you. You won't regret it! 

 That's all for now!

Cheers,

Taylor Stronski, Miss Teen Claresholm-World

Hey everyone!

This past weekend I was proud to participate in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held in my hometown.

Leading up to the event, I spent my evenings raising money. It is amazing how many people were willing to help out, although not too surprising when you consider how many peoples lives have been touched by cancer. Also, as my teams' captain I was responsible for adding up everyones money and encouraging them to fundraise. My team ended up raising over $1000.00! Great work guys!!

The relay began on June 5th at 7:00 pm. Unfortunately the weather did not cooporate for us and the track was so muddy from rain/snow that we had to move the walk indoors. The event, however, went perfectly. The night started with the cancer survivors lap around the gym. The survivors aged young and old, clad in yellow t-shirts, proved that the fight against cancer can be won and gave us all hope. After the survivors lap, the 300 people that registered for the event started the all- night walk for cancer. For 12 hours my team and I walked laps around the gym only stopping a few times for breaks. The night also included an inspiring speech from a cancer survivor. She told everyone how important it is to focus on only the positive aspects of the cancer experience. At first, I wondered how on earth there could be anything positive about having cancer, but as she sat there and told her story I understood. She stated, "cancer has taught me to appreciate life. It has made every sound more clear, every colour that much brighter, and every experience one to cherish." She told us not to wait until we have cancer to truly appreciate life but to be greatful for what we have right now and realize the beauty of everything around us. It was a very powerful speech and one that, I'm sure, touched everyone in that gym.

Following the speech we walked in silence around the gym while listening to Josh Groban's-You raise me up. The song captured the moment and really made me think of all the great things in life and how lucky I am to be me.

The night went on and finished with more upbeat music to keep everyone awake and walking and finally ended at 7:00 am on June 6th.

Overall the Relay For Life was amazing and I can't wait to participate in it next year....hopefully we will have better weather next time though!

Please visit the link on the side called Global Lethbridge Interview too! My segment is near the end.

Stay tuned!

~Taylor Stronski, Miss Teen Claresholm-World