Kelowna News

It’s okay if you fail, as long as you tried.

That’s the message Miss Canada International 2008, Kelowna resident Catherine Thomas, is planning to take across the country as she begins her reign this week.

Thomas, 22, was crowned in Ontario Saturday night after a nine day long audition process.

“Taking part in something like is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but I had to wait until I had the time to devote my full attention to it. I decided this year was the best chance I’d get,” says Thomas, who has been studying dance in at the Canadian College for the Performing Arts Victoria for the last couple of years.

She says she plans to make the focus of her time as Miss Canada about encouraging young woman to achieve their best, despite personal or social obstacles.

“I struggled with body image while in high school. I really feel into the trap of wanting to be super skinny. It weighs on you and it weighs on everyone at some point. I know what it’s like to have a good day be dependant on getting a smile from the boy you like and if that doesn’t happen, having it turn things upside down.”

Thomas believes a fear of failure is one of the biggest challenges facing young woman these days.

“I want to tell them to not hold back on doing something just because they are afraid they might fail. Failing is not the worst thing that could happen. I was very afraid to get on the stage and answer questions, but I did it and I’m glad that I did. Even if I hadn’t been crowned, I still have the knowledge that I tried.”

She says the process of being crowned was a long one.

“After the process to be selected Miss Kelowna was over, the road to Miss Canada was nine days long. We were watched by the judges every step of the way because someone’s true personality comes out after spending more than a week travelling around in a small bus! The judges had a hard task because any of us woman would have been a good choice.”

Thomas says there was just one black mark during the process.

“Unfortunately, my family wasn’t able to travel to Ontario to watch the final selection. Actually, a lot of us didn’t have any family there to witness the event because it was just too expensive for them to travel. So we cheered each other on. When I made the top three, the other girls prayed for me because they knew that was really important to me.”

She says Miss Canada may have some of the same look as the more well known Miss America, but there are some important differences.

“There is no bathing suit segment in Miss Canada. It’s not a modelling opportunity, it’s a chance to win scholarships. I am taking a year off from my studies to devote my time to Miss Canada, but I will keep up with my training. Then, when my year is over, I’m planning to go back to school. My dream is to someday open a non-profit performing arts school and Miss Canada is a very good first step towards that.”

Listen to Catherine Thomas talk about the road to the crown.