Taralyn Shae Donohue has been experiencing an ongoing journey since her participation in the Canadian Globe pageant last year.
This inspiring Grade 12 student of Blaine Lake Composite School, captured two reigning titles, Miss Teen Saskatchewan and the Miss Teen Canada Globe First Princess, through the Canadian Globe pageant in August.
Then she was informed Feb. 6 that she was eligible to advance and represent Canada at the international level in the Dominican Republic.
After months of fundraising, Taralyn and her mother, Leanne, set out to Toronto for the first leg of the trip. It was here that Taralyn, along with four other Canadian pageant participants from different age and height categories, were instructed and refreshed in a series of sessions.
Some sessions included question and answer training for the interview process of preliminaries as well as posing and catwalk techniques. All these sessions complemented and enforced what the pageant participants had been learning and experiencing along the way.
Following the training in Toronto, the participants and family members boarded their flight to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where they stayed at the exclusive resort in Boca Chica called Bellevue Resorts. Seventy delegates from across the globe converged in the Dominican Republic for the pageant held from April 21-26.
Although there were defined pageant categories such as talent, national costume, swimsuit, evening gown, Miss Bikini/Mr Physique, to name a few, participants were judged throughout the course of the week. "We were unknowingly judged/observed throughout the week regardless of being on stage," explained Taralyn. "We were judged for everything from how we dressed and presented ourselves in public to how we interacted and treated others."
After a week of judging, it was finally time to reveal the title winners from among the many successful candidates. Imagine her surprise when Taralyn's name was called as a recipient of the Miss Senior-Teen Beauty International 2014 title.
"I was really shocked," commented Taralyn. "Here I was, competing against participants from other countries, and never imagined I would come out on top. All the instructions and commentating was done in Spanish so I managed to learn a few words and phrases but initially I did not know I was the winner until I saw the crown and red sash."
Taralyn offers this advice to all young women: "My advice is to just be yourself. Everyone else is already taken and you just never know what someone else is looking for. Regardless of what you may be competing for, even if you are just talking to a friend and meeting new people, never change who you are to try to impress anyone! Stand up for what you believe in and most of all, believe in yourself. All the negativity in the world can't break someone who knows in their heart that they can do anything they set their mind to.
"I believe completely that everyone is beautiful, they just need the boost of confidence to show who they are. So be proud of yourself, you have the power to change the world. The possibilities are endless!"
This once-in-a-lifetime journey has had a profound effect on this small-town Saskatchewan girl. "The national pageant in Toronto was a huge accomplishment in my life but to participate in and capture the Miss Senior Teen Beauty International 2014 title was mind-blowing."
Taralyn's confidence, public relations skills and overall character has grown over the course of the year as public appearances assisted in extinguishing her apprehension of public speaking, yet ignited a burning desire to stand up for what she believes in.
Taralyn has matured on so many levels since claiming her designations. Each step along the preparatory walk continues to aid the young lady in developing numerous personal and life skills, many of which, she continues to share with the young women she meets daily. She is truly a refined role model and example of inspiration and confidence.
Taralyn continues to express her gratitude to the many people who have been instrumental at each level of this life-changing adventure. "I am blessed with an amazing family. My parents, grandparents, siblings and close friends have been very supportive and encouraging. And my community for supporting me throughout this amazing opportunity," commented Taralyn, adding she is blessed to have participated in an event that promotes positive growth, self-acceptance, self-confidence and accentuates inner beauty.
Since her crowning, Taralyn continues to make public appearances including the Terry Fox Run in Saskatoon, the Breast Cancer Run for the Cure and the Imagine No Bullying Kick-off Show in Saskatoon with Stephen Maguire and Codie Prevost. Taralyn, Miss Senior-Teen Beauty International 2014, is available to attend public events such as fundraisers, grand openings, charitable events and other business and school events upon request.
