Alexandra Hanasz

"The road of life is rocky, and you may stumble, too. So while you point your finger, someone is judging you." - Bob Marley

Many experiences that I have had over the last couple of years have changed me. I don't thing anything could have afftected me more than the Miss Teen Canada World Pageant. It changed me for the better, and I am so sad that it is now over. I spent a week with 54 girls, some of the sweetest, most talented, intelligent, and beautiful girls ever. I miss everyone so much, includng the camera crew, the bus driver, Michelle and her mom, Chris and Adam, and of course Katie. Everyone who was involved made this experience so unbelievably amazing, and despite the outcomes, we can all take many positives thoughts with us, to wherever the world leads us next. I planned to make a journal of every single jam packed day I spent here in Toronto, but unfortunatley there was no time whatsoever. We had to ussually wake up at around 5 am and go to bed at 2 or 3, It was quite the hastle, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

I will write some sort of biography or essay of what we did, because I want to make sure I remember each detail of the amazing week for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! And congratulations, Siera Bearchell, Miss Teen Canada-World 2010!

Volunteers working for Free The Children Projects

I want to write today about the volunteers working for the Free The Children Foundation.

Volunteers are the people, who make it happen. They are the ones, who travel to the remote villages in foreign countries to work on the project. Volunteers work in many areas of the world, such as Mexico, Kenya, Ecuador, China and India.
In small, poor villages people lack skills to help themselves. Therefore, the volunteers are showing them the way. Volunteers build new schools, volunteers teach in the schools, volunteers train the local population to be able to manage the project.

Thanks to the volunteers and their selfless dedication many projects were successfully completed.

Volunteers help in fighting the poverty and improve the living standards of the local communities to give them the expertise to continue the work, once they return back home.

Volunteers show a huge commitment to youth and engage them in global development, in resolving social issues, improving education. After the volunteers leave, the local people can take the action themselves to make a difference.
Volunteers working for Free The Children build schools and water wells for which they frequently raised the funds themselves.
They build leadership skills, they discover new areas of interest and learn about the new cultures.

Many volunteers develop new friendships while working overseas. Friendships that will last the entire lifetime.

Welcome to the beautiful city of Edmonton, the City on the River.
Edmonton is a large city in Western Canada with the population in excess 1 000 000 inhabitants.
The city is located on the banks of the beautiful North Saskatchewan River, along the river valley.

The city was first established as a trading post and was called Fort Edmonton a few hundred years ago. The original Fort Edmonton is still in existence today and it is a major tourist attraction in the city. Tourists and families can visit it and see how the city developed over that last few hundred years.
There are many old establishments, old original trading post, old native village, old railroad, first permanent settlements and many other landmarks from the old times.

Original Fort Edmonton

An old fashioned railway in Fort Edmonton

Today the city of Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, with the most spectacular parliament building. In fact, the view of the Parliament from the river banks is considered one of the most beautiful vistas in Canada.

Parliament building in Edmonton
Edmonton is the thriving city of one million people and is well known for its culture, university, business, history and natural beauty.

The University of Alberta is one of the largest and best universities in Canada. The University campus is located on the river bank in Edmonton. The University has over 35000 students who come from different provinces and overseas countries to study engineering and medicine, dentistry, physical education and arts.

Edmonton offers a multitude of recreational opportunities and recreational facilities. In the summer it offers fantastic biking and jogging trails as well as other sport friendly environments. In the winter, there are many facilities for cross country skiing, skating and downhill skiing. For example the Glenora skating club is world famous; many international champion figure skaters train at the facilities, among others Kristie Yamaguchi and Kurt Browning as well as many others.

Edmonton triathlon

One of the famous landmarks in Edmonton is the Muttart Conservatory. In the Muttart conservatory there are four glass pyramids, in which many tropical and dessert plants grow in a natural ecosystem. The four glass pyramids are classified as the tropical, arid, temperate and rain forest. Tourists can visit the pyramids and enjoy each climate with its typical flora and fauna.

Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton

In the center of the city there is the Winston Churchill Square, with its characteristic architecture, monument of sir Winston Churchill and a beautiful fountain that is located in front of the City Hall.


Monument of Sir Winston Churchill

The City Hall is built in the shape of a glass pyramid. In front of the City Hall there is a water pond that is converted in to a skating rink in the winter.

City Hall, Edmonton, with its characteristic roof made of glass

Another major tourist attraction are the beautiful parks. The most famous one is Hawrelak Park, located in the center of the city. In the Hawrelak Park there are many festivals throughout the year. Among others, there is the Shakespeare On The River Festival, multicultural festival, jazz festival and the Fringe - just to name the few well known ones.

The most interesting part of the City are the people. The original population ranges from First Nations, through the British, French and Scottish. In the beginning of the 20^th century there was a large influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, the City offers an entire multicultural spectrum with the people coming from every part of the world. We all live peacefully and we all appreciate the cultural differences amongst us. Edmonton has few distinct ethnic areas, for example there is a part of the city called The Little Italy, where a person can enjoy the best cappuccino in the world. Not very far is the Chinatown with a huge number of Chinese shops and restaurants. Every single culture in Edmonton has their own ethnic restaurants, ethnic shops and ethnic bars, which contribute greatly to the cultural diversity.

July 18th I flew from Edmonton to Toronto at 1 o' clock, I had a great flight, most of the trip I spent practicing my pageant questions and reviewing my platform. I was so excited, and surprisingly relaxed! We landed successfully in the evening and took a limo to the hotel because now taxis were available, which made the situation much more exciting then it already was! I loved looking at the beautiful city of Toronto it was absolutely lovely! I never spent time in such a large city, I loved that so much attention was paid to creative architecture downtown, there was always a great view to look at.

I loved the hotel the second we entered it, and I immediately ran to my room to unpack all my evening gowns and cocktail dresses. I had two large suitcases with me, as well as big on-hand luggage and my dresses in a garment bad. After, me and my mom headed out to the big city to grab something to eat, we walked so many streets having the most diffiult time deciding where to go, we eventually settled for Subway, since we were to tired and hungry to consider anything else. The night life in the city was very exciting, I didnt often see this in edmonton, so I felt lucky to be out in such a livley community. When we returned to the hotel, I caught up with my good friend Taylor (Miss Teen Beaumont-World) to go for a swim, we ended up catching with two other delegates from new brunswick. Although, later that night I spent preparing for a modeling convention which was supposedly "early" the next morning, and by "early" that obviously meant 12 in the afternoon. Unfortunately my interpretation of early meant waking up a 6:00 am to be ready and downstairs by 8:30 am. I couldn't fall asleep from all the stress. Tomorrow was going to be a BIG day. The day where I had to go to a convention, then sign in for the pageant, do a photo shoot, and go to a welcoming dinner; may sound easy, but trust me it's not, especially with only one hour of sleep that night and no breakfast.

Voting for Miss Teen Canada has officially started!!! And will continue until July 25th at noon! I would really appreciate if you could vote for me! Getting as many votes as I can is crucial to get into the top twenty! All you have to do to vote is...

1. Become a V.I.P on the Miss Teen Canada World website (www.missteencanadaworld.com)

2. Verify you account, you will get an email, so click on the link to verify it!

3. Click on the icon in the middle of the screen that says "MTCW Finals)

4. A list of icons will appear underneath, click "finalists"

5. I will be in the Alberta girls section of the list, which is the first group on the list.

6. Click on "details" (the icon beside my picture for Alexandra Hanasz

7. A box will be on the right side of the screen so you can vote!

8. Type in your email!

That is all you have to do, just remember you can only vote ONCE! Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the support, and I promise to represent Alberta well in the National! I will work my hardest to make you proud! Thank you!

Alexandra Hanasz

Miss Teen Edmonton-World 2009

I recently discovered my lack in cardio and stamina during the choreography of my dance solo this year, since my mom was a champion skater in Poland when she was my age; cardio training was a prime necessity.  I started a daily, early morning, run and conditioning with my mom, and noticed improvements immediately, I can now repeat my solo at least 8 times before I get tired, which is really an improvement compared to my original stamina. But not only could I dance better, I could breathe better too, and I was never tired. I always feel energized and accomplished, and the training is a fantastic way of starting out your day, I’m also much healthier and way less stressed. It’s as though the work out releases all the negative stuff in my body.  I also started Moksha and Yin yoga. It’s like a magic remedy for the body, from the first day of yoga, my flexibility had already improved, specifically in my hips and turn out muscles were much more felxible very quickly. After yoga, I also could concentrate so much better in school and I could also sleep better.

            I made a daily workout schedule for myself before Miss Teen Canada. Every morning at 7 am I drink tons of water and head out the door, I take a couple laps jogging around the river valley and then stop in a grassy area to work on abdominals and triceps/biceps, along with stretching and some gymnastics exercises (such as bridges, handstands and cart wheels). After my condition break I run up and down stairs as many times as I can, then I run back home grab a skipping rope and jump for as long as I can. That is my morning workout; in the afternoon I would usually head to the dance studio and really work on some stretching, and then practicing my ballet solo. I would take another break and then go to an evening yoga class. Moksha yoga—which is my favourite, is a class that takes place in a temperature of about 35 or 40 degrees, in this class you go through a series of steps that improve on core strength and flexibility. The yoga class is very straining so remember to bring tons of water and many towels into the class, and of course a matt. If you are willing to try the moksha yoga class, I really recommend you don’t wear a lot of clothing, because you will probably suffocate in the heat—I know I did the first time! If you want to try something similar to Moksha yoga you can also try a Bikram yoga class (also in extreme temperatures). The moksha yoga classes have different timings that you can go for, Either 60, 75, or 90 minutes. All classes are great, but it is really hard to go into a 90 minute class for the first time, for more info type in Moksha Yoga and your city on Google—it will lead you to their website.  This is my MTC Preparation/ Summer Workout ritual. I really do feel a lot better than I ever have before, so if you want to give it a try, I definitely recommend it!

Live, love, laugh, learn, and be healthy!

Much love,

Alexandra

Miss Teen Edmonton-World 2009

On July 1st, I took part in the Canada Day celebration. I rode in a convertible on the front of the parade in Edmonton, and I led the bicycle parade (all of them were nicely decorated for the event). After the parade I gave out prizes for the best decorated bicycle. I had a wonderful time, listening the band and the bag piper walking behind us. After the parade I led Oh Canada at the hall, along with the fantastic band, everyone followed as we sang the anthem. Later I greeted some of the guests and did an onstage interview with the hostess. I had a great time, meeting new Canadians and celebrating this special day.  Some photos from the event...

Greeting two cuties...

Waving...

Even firemen joined us in the celebration!

Taking photos with the city councellor, Ben Henderson.

A short on stage interview during the celebration...

Recycling with Wilbert after the party!

I just want to thank everyone who came to the event, I had a great time, definitely my most memorable Canada day ever!

Much Love,

Alexandra

Miss Teen Edmonton-World 2009

Only 19 more days until it's time to jump on the plane to Toronto, as excited as I am, I'm also overwhelmed with nerves! Now I'm just squishing as many events as I can into the last couple of weeks before the national competition! I've also been training really hard for my ballet solo, which I will perform for the talent portion at MTC-W and I have been working on my public speaking and interviewing skills, and of course runway skills and stage presence skills. I have also been promoting my platform throughout Edmonton, so hopefully I can make a difference, to do so I'm planning a Edmonton Tree Planting Event, information will be sent out soon :)

There is still so much more I have to do, but I'm enjoying every minute in thew process of preparation. I would just like to thank everyone for the support you have shown me, much love in return. 

P.S-- The Miss Teen Canada - World 2009 Pageant tickets are on sale now! Just call up Ticket Master! Should be a great show so I reccomend that you bring all freinds and family, every MTC Delegate will be proud you came! For more information go on the Miss Teen Canada website (www.missteencanadaworld.com)! Also become a V.I.P to vote for the delagte of your choice for the "People's Choice Award"!

Thanks so much!!!

Alexandra

Miss Teen Edmonton - World 2009

Giselle; the attainable perfection.

My T.V show is based on the perfect role model. Giselle- Is the representative of good decisions and balance in life. I always needed someone to look up too to keep my goals and sight when I get off task, Giselle represents inner beauty, hard work and success. Although she isn’t someone that you can only wish to be like, but Giselle is a role model that everyone can become. She can find the good in everything, and is positive about every situation.  Giselle’s statement is, “Make it happen, make it happen the way you want it to happen, because no one will make it happen for you.”

Any girl can become Giselle; you don’t have to be born with natural talent or beauty. She shows the effects of working hard, and finding the good in everything, she has true natural beauty, and natural beauty that can be attained by anyone! Giselle is everything I aspire to be, and hopefully one day will become.

The Show

Giselle; the attainable perfection-- Is a reality T.V show that follows Giselle around throughout her daily situations. The camera’s go everywhere with her. To her studio, in London, when she’s creating new hard hitting choreography for her dance company to when she’s working on the designs for her next runway show in Manhattan, and to Torun, Poland where she relaxes with the family after weeks of hard work.  The cameras go everywhere, and the audience gets to experience the life of a superstar!

Why is Giselle my role model?

Giselle believes that hard work and effort can bring much joy into life, gives your mind something to live off of. Giselle represents the goals I would one day like to achieve, for example, opening a dance company and becoming a clothing designer.  She’s a girl that never gives in to others opinions if they fight against her own. She has inner power which keeps her strong no matter what happens. She believes in only positivity and learns from any negative experiences she might go through. Giselle takes all the opportunities she was lucky enough to have had and that is something that I really appreciate about her, because she is very efficient and always does her best.

A little about Giselle...

She holds great interest in fashion and art—especially the performing arts. She loves photography, dancing, acting, modeling, and singing. Giselle is also a strong activist and very passionate about saving the environment and is a very green girl. She loves everything organic and natural and believes in a simplistic living. Giselle loves to travel, especially all over Europe, specifically Greece and Italy. She loves throwing events such as gala parties and local runs or recreational athletic competitions, dance shows and runway shows. Giselle believes in healthy life styles that involve a lot of exercise and spending time in the outdoors!  She is also a talent scout for any aspiring actors, singers, dancers or models with the International OlaH Agency for the performing arts.  

Will it be popular?

The show should be a hit! Aiming for teenagers who need someone to look up too and learn from, anyone can always improve on something, despite what they may think! Perfection in itself is an achievable goal, you just have to find your inner passion and become the best you can be!

The people who make it happen...

My top three sponsors to represent my TV show would be the Yorkville Club (www.theyorkvilleclub.com); the perfect place to stay in shape and stay healthy! Giselle believes in a healthy life style, and to live a healthy life style it’s crucial to exercise! And not only one sport, variety is key, for every muscle a new activity, the Yorkville club offers yoga and fully equipped training machines that should help you to reduce stress and anxiety but also get a fantastic work out!  Another sponsor to incorporate with my show would be the Toronto Academy of Acting School (www.torontoacademyofacting.com), a place where you can discover your potential and passion for acting and make dreams a reality! And of course, a sponsor to represent Giselle’s love for fashion would be John Frieda (www.fredas.com), a designer with a high class business style in so much variety. Giselle, as a role model must also have some sort of credit and time for recognition for all that continuous work , to be able to sit down,  get interviewed and be put in a editorial spread for FAZE Magazine!

Why “Giselle; the attainable perfection.”?

When developing this character I asked myself a couple questions...

What does Giselle do in her free time?

How does she behave in public?

What are her most important values?

How does she find the perfect balance in life?

All the questions created a character that helped me focus and stay confident in my priorities. I’m glad I had the opportunity to create my own little role model. And every now and again, I ask myself, what would Giselle do? And automatically I know what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

In my conclusion, I believe that everyone should have their own little character, one that represents who they would like to be, it’s a fantastic way to keep focus, and really helped me out when it came to every day experiences.

 Love, 

Alexandra

Miss Teen Edmonton - World 2009

A couple weeks ago I participated in Edmonton Fashion Week, Modeling some clothes for Caitlyn Powers, designer or STRUT Fashions. I had the a great amount of fun with all the photos shoots and publicity, it was a great week. Best of all I met some great designers and made some new friends :) 

All the ladies... and Caitlyn!

In May, I hosted a gala for the Free The Children Charity. And managed to collect over 1000 dollars in donations. All the guests made generous donations, and I thank them gratefully, they were so excited to be able to help out for a good cause and enjoy a community event in the meantime. Here are some photos from the party...

Many of our delightful guests...

Before the event...

With my two best friends, Pola and Megan!

After the congratulations speech...

Another group picture.

Thank you everyone who came to my FTC Fundraiser gala! I really appreciate your donations :)

Love, Alexandra <3

On Sunday May 31, I modeled some clothing for Bellisima Fashions and made an appearance at the Edmonton Cultural Association. I had to most wonderful time greeting people and modeling some great clothes. It was a really nice experience; I met with some of Canada's most talented, pianists, artists and designers. There was a lot of media taking photos, and interviewing the designers and myself, it was a very successful celebration and I was happy to have been able to be a part of it.

Greeting some of the guests.

Me and the owner of the Bellisima Fashions

store in Edmonton, she was wearing a traditional

German dress for the Cultural Association.

I would like to thank everyone who came to the event, I hope you enjoyed it as much

as I did! :)

I also posted some videos from the event in the videos section of my blog, check them out!

Love,

Alexandra

Miss Teen Edmonton-World 2009

"We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life - those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength."
- Oswald Chambers

I want to make a difference in the world by focusing on environmental issues, animal rights issues and anti-smoking issues. As part of my platform I want to promote the performing arts in Canada. Becoming Miss Teen Canada-World will help me tremendously in achieving these goals by giving me greater exposure, so I can advance this agenda. - Alexandra Hanasz, Miss Teen Edmonton - World 2009