Trò chuyện cùng Miss Canada 2010 - Denise Garrido

1. An introduction...
Denise is a graduate of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. She
graduated, Cum Laude, in Biomedical Sciences, with a focus in
Biochemistry. In her fourth year, she applied her theoretical knowledge
to laboratory research, where she completed a thesis on breast cancer
at the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Center in Sudbury. In
addition to formal education, Denise’s other learning interests include
the piano (level 8 Royal Conservatory), acting, and TaeKwon-Do (2nd
degree black belt).

Denise has also been greatly involved in charity, as an ongoing
participant of the Terry Fox Run, or participating in "Airbandz for
Cancer" at Laurentian University to name a few. In addition, Denise
shares her knowledge through volunteering as a math tutor to high school
students, and having tutored Physics and Calculus to first year
university students. She feels that through giving and sharing to
others, she becomes a more wholesome human being.

2. Tell us a bit more about your country and hometown.
Within the province of Ontario, thousands of acres of fertile soil for
agriculture production is where my hometown lies. Bradford West
Gwillimbury lies on the Holland Marsh, and is known as the heart of
Canada’s Vegetable Industry. With a population of about 25 000, and
traditionally, a predominant Portuguese and Italian community, Bradford
is a depiction of the beautiful cultural diversity found throughout
Canada—a country that embraces people from all over the world.

3. What does it mean to you to represent your country at Miss World?
As most people with the opportunity to represent their country would
agree, it is an honour to be representing Canada at Miss World. I have a
sense of responsibility to display to the rest of the world, the love
and open-mindedness that Canadians share. To represent Canada at the
prestigious Miss World event is so exciting and grande in my mind, that
at times I can be speechless reflecting on how fortunate I am for this
gift and opportunity.

4. What preparations have you done so far for the Miss World final?
My preparations thus far have been planning of my talent and
volunteer/charity work as Miss World Canada. I am also in a constant
state of learning: learning of my host country and learning even more of
Miss World. Lastly, I am mentally preparing myself through the power of
visualization.

5. If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Ambitious. I am driven to be the best I can be. I want to attempt
every dream, to live life without regret, which is why I am always on a
quest for growth and adventure. Those that know me personally
understand this aspect of me, and remain supportive in all my ventures.

6. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
My life is in constant evolution. Opportunities and the realization of
many dreams are occurring, and what I also do know, is that in ten
years, I will be living out even greater opportunities that will help me
realize even more of my dreams.

7. Would you prefer being beautiful and rich or poor and smart?
I believe both options can exist harmoniously. All beings have been
created beautifully, and intelligence is enhanced by time through
lessons and experience. A smart person is also a rich person, as wealth
is not only financial, but wealth is knowledge, health, spirituality,
and love, and all are needed for a person to be in balance and
happiness. Therefore, my preference is a harmonious balance of all
options.

8. Which well known person from your country you most admire and why?
A well-known person(s) from my country that I admire is Nellie McClung
and the rest of the “Famous Five” who fought for women’s rights in
Canada. They also brought out “The Persons Case” that led to a victory
and milestone in Canada, in which women were recognized as “persons”
under the law. I believe in equality, and these brave women fought
legally and politically to bring us closer to it.

9. If you had to choose any other country to live in, which one would you choose and why?
Because of many of my relatives living in Portugal, I would say
Portugal. It is a country that I have visited often throughout my life,
so I am comfortable with the life, culture, and people. Of course,
seeing my beloved family makes my association to Portugal as a second
home.

10. What do you think is the biggest problem facing the world today and what should be done about it?
Something
that I would consider a problem facing the world is short-term vision
or action. It is often easy to act on the basis of receiving immediate
results or satisfaction than acting for long-term results. This is the
reason we are facing environmental dangers, are suffering financially
when economic crisis strikes, or homes are destroyed from lack of proper
preventative structuring to save on present costs. If we take action
with a long-term vision of its effects, it would alleviate problems that
may arise later. Fortunately, the world has been taking action on
several global issues, such as the environment, to improve life for
tomorrow. However, it is important to continue with this mindset, and to
constantly strive for improvement in the actions of today.

11. Do you believe a beauty queen should be politically correct when
answering a controversial subject question or should she express her
personal views on the issue?
A person’s viewpoint and values are a result of his/her personal
experiences and upbringing. Because of this, there will always be
people whose opinions and values differ from our own. If a
controversial question were to arise, it is important to be sensitive to
all sides of the issue, and this is not only important in pageants, but
in life as a whole. By being open-minded to all viewpoints, and
sensitive to others, we can minimize speaking hurtfully, and rather,
speaking more wholesomely.

12. What do you most look forward to about the Miss World Festival?
The opportunity to travel and to experience the host country’s beauty
and culture to its fullest. Also, meeting great women from all over the
world, in which we can share knowledge and stories about ourselves and
our countries, and ultimately developing life-long bonds with those that
I meet.

13. The winner of Miss World will be the 60th Miss World. Which former winner do you most admire and why?
Miss World has a history of amazing women that have held its title. With
most recent Kaiane Aldorino who was the first woman from Gibraltar to
win the honorable title, to Zi Lin Zhang (2007) with a record for
charitable funds raised, Miss World has an extensive list of
titleholders that have done great during and after their reign. Now for
myself, one titleholder than I still often see and hear of as she
continues in her successes is Aishwarya Rai. She continues to grow
professionally as a leading actress in India, has been brand ambassador
for campaigns such as Pulse Polio, and remains an influential figure in
India.

14. The motto of Miss World is Beauty with a Purpose. What does Beauty with a Purpose mean to you?
For me, Beauty With A Purpose describes a person who uses his/her
interior and exterior beauty for great causes. We are blessed with
beauty that draws people to us, and by drawing in attention, it can be
harnessed to do great things in the world. As human beings, we have a
purpose to give back to the world, and a Beauty With A Purpose does just
that, but on a level that uses her status to create even greater good.

15. Share a message to your supporters and readers of World of Misses.
Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to read my online
interview. I also want to share that my objective is to be the best
that I can be, so that I can be a positive and memorable reflection of
Canada. Whatever fate has planned for the outcome of this competition, I
will be grateful for. Finally, it is the journey, with the fundamental
love and support given by friends, family, and readers that I feel so
blessed with, so I thank you all. Sending much love from Canada!

and finally…

Star Sign: Sagittarius

Personal Motto: The world is one’s oyster

Favorite Food: Broccoli

Favorite Color: All colours

Favorite Song: Feel by Robbie Williams

Favorite Movie: Any James Bond film

Favorite Book: Harmonic Wealth by James Arthur Ray

Favorite Singer/Band: Robbie Williams

Favorite Actor/Actress: Catherine Zeta Jones