Updates:

- This summer I volunteered for MACOY and helped paint the Bob Lamb mural here in Fort McMurray. I must say, that was a lot of fun. I got to test my artistic skills ! This is now a place for teenagers to hang out and it looks amazing! Thanks MACOY for all the effort!

I also joined the Toast Masters. There I was asked numerous questions about myself, the pageant and recent news, and they evaluated me on my communication skills, my vocabulary, my posture, everything!. They were very picky! But it was overall an amazing experience, I was able to get a lot of feedback which helped me when I went to Toronto for the MTC-W pageant.

Okay!, Let's talk about Toronto..

Toronto was amazing!. It was a week full of expectations, surprises and above all fun!. We met wonderful choreographers, wonderful dancers, down to earth friends and determined judges. It was a long journey but nonetheless worth it.

There are no words to describe what it feels like to be in this pageant. All the memories, the inside jokes, the sleepless nights, the bus rides, the millions of pictures we took. Thank you Michelle for making this possible and giving us the experience of a lifetime. <3

A couple of weeks ago we had the Interplay here in Fort McMurray. I got to walk around with my sash and crown and represent MTC-W

Yesterday I had the privilege to work for Angeline Macdonald, the owner of Bells & Bows (official sponsor of MTC-W) I modelled for her during the parade. It felt like pageant week all over again. Very very very early morning, uncomfortably cold most of the time, non stop smiling and tons of pictures!! It was an amazing parade!. We got first place! And we set a new record (this was Angeline's third time getting first place in a row) Every one was very welcoming and made my stay in Lethbridge unforgettable.

The Oprah's Angel Network

-The Beginning

In 1994, Oprah had a guest on her show, Nora, who talked about a new project she had started. Nora discussed about how she started Penny Harvest and encouraged people to donate their spare change to be given to charitable organizations. Oprah was moved by this girl's motivation and as a result, in 1997 during one of her shows she asked her audience to donate their change to her new organizations. It was such a hit! her audience raised over $3.5 million dollars that helped grant scholarships to 150 well deserving college students. At the same time, Oprah asked people to donate their time and help build homes with the help of Habitat for Humanity. Over 15,000 people joined and over 200 homes were built.

In 1999, Craig Kelsburger was a guest on Oprah's show. His initiative to take action and help others immediately caught Oprah Winfrey's attention. Craig's life was changed after he heard a story about a boy in Pakistan who was sold into slavery for only $16 and then murdered by his owner. He was so affected by this story that he decided to create his own organization: Free The Children, to protect boy and girls all over the world against child labor. Ever since then, Free The Children has been the largest network of children helping children through education! With over 1 million youth involved in their education and development programs in over 45 countries. Oprah's Angel Network has followed Craig every step of the way since 2000.

- Tell me about it...

The Angels Network is a charity which goal is to "inspire people and make a difference in the lives of others" They grant scholarships, offer educational initiatives and help people regain dignity and fulfil their basic needs. It was founded by Oprah Winfrey in 2000, she is the president and the chairperson. This charity is a non profit organization who also provides grants to charities trying to combat problems such as poverty, disease, exploitation. The Angels Network became involved with Free The Children right away. Together they have built over 58 schools in places like Africa, Asia, Central and South America, providing education for thousands and thousands of children in rural areas all over the world.  They strive to create permanent solutions to problems concerning basic rights, education, community development and leadership.

In 2006, The Angel Network and Free The Children, got together to create O Ambassadors. It is a school-based program that inspired young people to become "active compassionate and knowledgeable global citizens" Since then over 2000 O Ambassadors Clubs were formed all over the United States and Canada! Over $1.1 million dollars have been raised to support development initiatives around the globe. This organization is a great example of their shared belief of young people changing the world.

-Where is she getting all this information from...

Here are some news articles that talk about the relationship between Free The Children and the Angel Network:

http://www.oprah.com/angelnetwork/Free-The-Children

http://www.freethechildren.com/oambassadors/

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/23/c3659.html

http://www.freethechildren.com/mediaroom/source/news/2008/O_Ambassadors_May_21_2008.pdf

Other websites that helped me do my research were...

Wikipedia

Angel Network

- Show me some Colour!

To show people who I truly am I would love to have my own documentary. Perhaps a two hour movie featuring my life journey that has brought me from one hemisphere of the continent to the other.

My journey began on June 15th 1992. In the "Cruz Roja" (Red Cross) hospital in San Cristobal, Tachira, Venezuela. From then on, I moved to Punto FIjo, Falcon at the age of four, where i would spend most of my childhood. I grew up in a medium size home. Surrounded by engineers and stay-at-home mothers. In 2002-2003, my mother, brother and I joined my grandmother in Merida. Where we learned to live in home designed for only two people. October 4th 2003, We arrived to Joliette, Quebec at 8:59pm. That year I learned the true meaning of family. I learned that nothing in this world should be taken for granted. My family and I lived in a bedroom for about a month before finding a small apartment to rent. That was a tough year, parents didn't work, little financial help and worst of all, solitude. However, I learned to love and cherish my family. To enjoy the time we spent together. To value the friends I made and to appreciate help from others. I became humble, lost interest in material things and became more inclined towards family and valuing the things money can't buy. Sure it's nice to have money and be able to travel, or rent movies, or buy a couch for that matter. We didn't have any of that in Quebec, but thankfully, we didn't need it to be happy. In July 2004, we moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta, where I learned english as my third language. I graduated from Dickinsfield School and embarked on my high school career at WestWood high school. During my first year at WestWood I attended the National Chess Championship where I got 4th place. During the next two years I continued taking dance and piano classes during my spare time. February 29th 2010, I became Miss Teen Northern-Alberta World 2010!!! - What a great feeling! I'm almost certain, most, if not all the girls involved with MTC-W can agree that this pageant changed their lives. Winning the title has changed my outlook on life, my perspective on myself, my goals and my determination to accomplish them. Another important date is June 28th 2010,  that's the day I graduated from High School!!! What a relief. One step closer to becoming a dentist!!. My journey continues as I strive to become the next Miss Teen Canada World 2010 in Toronto on July 17th!.

During my documentary, I hope to emphasize my passion towards cancer research and finding a cure. I want to mention that my platform is breast cancer. I care about finding a cure and raising awareness to prevent this horrid disease. I want to give hope to every one out there who is suffering from cancer or knows someone suffering from it. Please feel free to contact the breast cancer website or http://www.cancer.ca/breast to learn more and/or buy their products. I would also include Free The Children, ever since I started fundraising for it, it's felt so good to be able to help other youth around the world and make a difference in some one else's life. Click here to learn more! I have to say, they are an awesome organization!. While I was doing some research before I started fundraising, I was amazed to discover how much they help our world and i was surprised that I recognized Craig Keilburger (I have seen him many times on TV) before. He is such a dedicated young man and a true inspiration to every one out there!.

I would also talk about the largest students magazine in Canada: Faze. Founded in 1999, it is mostly read by teenaged girls between the ages of 12-19. It is a great magazine that features great topics such as style, real life stories, humor and health. One out their greatest assets is that this magazine is not only created for students and teens, but the editing process is mostly done by the readers themselves!. Students and teens choose the stories and are highly involved in the editing process.

With their moto: "Put your best skin out there" Jergens has really caught the eye of young teens out there. This company wants to promote healthy skin, which I would certainly love to talk about, because, let's be honest, who doesn't love healthy beautiful skin??. Jergens definitely made my skin softer when I was younger and for that, I want to thank them!.

During my documentary, I would include soft piano and violin music. They are instruments I learned to play when I was younger and together they represent my childhood. I would also include spanish dancers!. They are very entertaining and versatile. As a salsa and flamenco dancer myself, I believe that these styles are very educational when it comes to team work. You have to listen and understand your partner or whoever you dance with. And just like any other style, timing is crucial!. They are difficult, yet so fun to watch!.

The Why's

Faze Magazine found my documentary because my story speaks to their audience. Their readers want to tread about life changing stories with a happy ending. With ups and downs, with challenges to overcome and rewards at the end of the dark tunnel. Jergens, would be interested in my story because they helped me when I was younger and it offers a positive feedback to their brand. Faze Magazine could use my story on one their monthly issues as a way of attracting a venezuelan audience and with Canada being so multicultural I think a few other young immigrants could relate to it.

So...Jhoyli turned 18 3 days ago

WHOOT! - So excited! 
To celebrate it, me and my family had a little party with just a couple of intimate friends, it was a blast!, we really enjoyed spending time with each other

Here are some pictures!

Have you ever been to Fort McMurray ?!? - I bet you recognize the name...It is usually associated with the oil sands, or names like "Middle of somewhere up there in Alberta", the weather is usually described as construction, cold, colder and rainy cold....BUT, despite all the negativity, Fort McMurray is not a bad city!. I used to think this was the worst place to live in. Why?, because of all the drugs going around, the mosquitos, the bad traffic, anything I could think of was good enough to convince me that Fort McMurray was hell! In my last year of high school, my feelings toward it have changed. I've learned to love the green surroundings, the hot summer days, but above all, I love the parks! Hehe I am a huuuge fan of parks and swing sets!. There is 4 or 5 within walking distance from my house!! For a park lover, this is heaven!!!!! Another thing I love doing is biking, and fortunately for me, there are lots of places here where you can go biking and hit the outdoors!. There are tons of trails you can take, lots of sidewalks by parks and little ponds! =). So, if you ever get the urge to come visit us up north, here is a list of places you should definitely come visit: The Oil Sands Discovery Centre

Three years ago I went on a summer camp here, and it was so much fun! Even though it was for 

younger kids, I got to learn a lot of information about what my parents do for a living (They are both engineers) and other cool stuff like, how to launch a spaceship, or how to properly wrap and egg so that it survives a 10 ft drop! (Which i failed at =()

Recreation -

Another good place to visit is the St Anne's park (hehe) If you like parks, and like a big field, that's a good place to go!, Or the Dickinsfield park, which has baseball rings for people to enjoy plus a biking trail. Another one of my favourite places is the trails by my friends house down in Thickwood! They lead right to the Athabasca river, and it is soooo gorgeous!!!

By one of the parks by my house during a beautiful sunset - Biking =D

During the Summer you can go visit Borealis water park or the Waterways water park - They are both fun for young children and adults! you can easily go for a picnic there or splash around the water fountains!.

During the fall, I usually like to go for walks along the trails or the ponds. The sunsets are beautiful and if you're lucky you may see a coyote or a deer, or even a baby bear around! (But please be careful!!)

During the Winter days I looove going to the ski hill near the airport. Sometimes If I'm feeling very adventurous I will go to the skating ring in MacIsland for a relaxing winter skate

Waiting to go down the hill

With Some friends at the bottom of the hill! - Proudly supporting the Breast Cancer Society (notice my pink Breast Cancer Bandana =P)

With some of my friends - Winter Silliness

Another of my favourite places around here is Gregoire Lake. It's a nice lake where you can go and spend the day with your friends and family and it's always full with people so you never feel alone =)

Other great options are the Bowling Alley in Gregoire, or the Movie Theatre on Franklin Ave.

Or if you're into working out and staying fit! You can visit the YMCA which offers a gym, a pool/hot tub/sauna, and a basketball court. Another great option is the work out gym at MacIsland!! It is newly renovated as well. But if you're feeling like working out is not intense enough for you, you can join one of the many kickboxing/boxing classes around town!. (One of them held at MacIsland) It is such a great cardio workout! You will love it.

Educational

If you're into Arts I suggest you visit Keyano College! They have amazing performances throughout the year that will most certainly wow you. I used to participate in the arts-dance program last year and it's amazing the time and effort these people put into putting up an amazing show for the audience!!

Don't forget to visit our newly renovated public library! With a great selection of books and fun activities throughout the week.

If you're christian, or like christian-like music, you must listen to Kaos 91.1fm. They are an amazing radio station! They give so much to the community and that is why I chose them to be my official media sponsors. Their website is http://www.kaos911.com You should definitely visit their site! it is full of exciting events happening in Fort McMurray as well as community events they put up!

Where to Stay When you come??

There are so many hotels around town where you can go. My favourites are:

The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Hotel

It has everything from a spa, to wedding reception. The Food is amazing!! and the service is unbelievable

The Vantage Inn Suites

you can enjoy free breakfast, fast speed internet, car and truck parking, spacious suites! It's super comfortable and well priced.

There are so many more!

Urge to Shop??

Visit our Peter Pond Mall anytime!! and we assure you will find what you need. There is a variety of stores that can accommodate even the most exquisite tastes.

If you have any questions, or would like to check what our city is up to, don't hesitate to visit http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com for more information!!

xoxo, Jhoy!

This past weekend i was supposed to host a carwash to raise funds for Free The Children (please do check their website for some amazing ways to help out @ http://www.freethechildren.com) but unfortunately, mother nature wasn't on my side...it rained =(, it's been the second time I've had to cancel it!...On the brighter side--I got to volunteer at the FireFighter Fit Challenge and whoooa It was amazing!. So for those of you who don't know what it is, the competition is a series of challenges to determine the fastest firefighter, in certain situations. For example, one of the challenges is to walk up numerous steps up to a tower carrying a heavy  hose, pulling a ~50lbs hose to the top of the tower, running downstairs, carry a hose and shoot a target and then carry a 185lbs dummy a distance of about 20 feet. And you can choose to either do it as a team, or individually. It was amazing to see how hard some of these firefighters were working!, I think I was most impressed by this one girl, she was doing the challenge by herself, and she was working hard!!, she took 9 minutes to complete the course and she barely made it. I was impressed by her determination, she never quit - I wish we all had her determination =)

Also!, last thursday I went to Saint Martha's elementary school for a little party!, I wore my sash and crown and WOW it was crazy how many little girls looked up to me and wanted a picture. I have never gotten so much praise before, it was a little overwhelming, but it made me feel good! We danced and took lots of pictures and I made a lot of new friends (most of them 7 years old or under =P) It was such a good night! I would love to do that again

anyways,

homework time!! xoxoxo

Whooot!, what a weekend. On friday I embarked on a bus with some other 60+ teenagers and headed straight to edmonton for the YC Alberta 2010!

Has any of you ever been to YC? If no, then let me tell you about it. This year was my first YC and I loved it!. I got a chance to hang out with my youth friends as well as meet other people and watch bands perform!!. They also had some amazing speakers like Nick Vujicic (he is the man with no legs and arms) may I add that he was awesome!, it it so inspiring to see him live a couple of feet away from you, talking and sharing his amazing story. They had bands like: Disciple, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, The Letter Black, Blue tree and much more!! You could also buy shirts/CDs and souvenirs. My favourite part was watching the painter on stage! He was amazing!, he drew a bunch of lines and added a little colour here and there and as soon as he flipped it you saw that It was Jesus and wow it was good!. I was very impressed. My favourite band was TFK, I thought their concert was amazing. Which band was your favourite and why?? (SHARE YOUR STORY!)

I also enjoyed buying books at the store! they had a broad selection of books and writers you could choose from.

It was overall a very special weekend for me  and I definitely want to come back next year!

Have you ever been to YC? Are you curious as to what it is?  - Share your story! I would love to hear from you!!

What an amazing weekend!!. On may 14th I got the chance to travel to Ponoka and meet up with some of the girls from the pageant!. Me and my mom headed down to Ponoka early friday morning (we live 7 hours away), we stopped in edmonton for lunch at the Mongolie Grill - anyone ever been there?? ( i love that restaurant!!) the food was amazing!, I had a xango for desert! Yumm, which i shared with my mom. We got to Ponoka at 6:30 where I met up with the girls and we set up out tent and chairs, got our t-shirts and chatted away. We began the night by walking, then having Macdonald's/Tim Horton's for supper (That's right, we are typical girls that enjoy junk food every now and then!) then we played Jackpot for a while, which, I might add, Danielle Frebrowski kicked butt! haha. She catched so many balls, I could've sworn she was a proffesional. Then we all sat by our tent and talked until things got really cold and we decided to go into our tent. We talked and talked until at around 4am, we all took a nap and got up again around an hour later to chat a little more before getting up to pck up our stuff. It was an unforgettable night. we got a chance to see each other and participate in such a big event all around the country. I got the chance to support my platform: Cancer - breast cancer. So to me, that meant alot.

Saying good-bye to my ladies was very sad!. I hope to see them before we all go to Toronto in July.

Wow it's been a while since I've written here!. So lately I've been very busy travelling to Edmonton to Dr's appointments and getting my evening dress ready (The one I will be wearing in Toronto for the MTC-W 2010) it's such a great feeling to put on a pretty gown and look at yourself in the mirror and just think "Daaaang, I look good!" haha, I think every girl in the world should get to put on a a beautiful dress and have that experience. I was watching "Say yes to the dress" last night on TLC, and all these girls who came in the store found their perfect dress and were so happy/excited about it...And it got me thinking about Free the Children. Wouldn't it be great if we could all just donate those big dresses we only wear once and are not planning to ever wear again to girls overseas? Image their joy as the open a bag and see a beautiful gown! Of course, they probably wouldn't be wearing it much either (going to school probably doesn't require such big attire) but I think it would be priceless and totally worth it to see their face...By the way!, check out their website http://www.freethechildren.com/ for more information on trips overseas and donations!. Speaking of donations, I have started my fundraiser!! Whooot!, May 6th was the start date. I am so exited to open those cans at the end of this and see how much money people put in!. I want to thank all of you who have put money in my little cans!, your generosity is very much appreciated =)! --- This weekend I will be going to Ponoka woot!. I have never been there before so this is like a road trip adventure for me and my mom. We are going there to visit Jenah and the rest of the pageant girls and to do the RELAY FOR LIFE held by the Canadian Cancer society. This event is not only to raise money and awareness but also to celebrate those who have cancer and those loved ones we have lost to this awful illness. Cancer is also part of my platform so this Friday will be very special for me. If you like biking and you want to help the Canadian Cancer society you should visit this website! http://www.conquercancer.ca/index.html?cvridirect=true. They are doing a "ride to conquer cancer" and there is one happening on June 28th-29th here in ALberta!!! check it out if you're interested!!

Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful moms out there, I hope you have a great day today. You deserve it!.

And a special wish to my mommy!! I love you mom!

There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them. - Charles D. Gill