Every photo is worth a thousand words. To me this photo was the most powerful of the bunch.

The Free the Children charity’s slogan is “Children helping children through education”. This picture says just that. Children are linked together for one cause: to free children from poverty and exploitation and to free them of the thought that they are powerless when it comes to positive affects on the world.

Children are children and people are people. No matter where we live or the color of our skin, we are all the same. In this photo you can see the nationality differences and how they accepted each other, which is beautiful because some people can’t realize that we are all the same. Everyone deserves the right to clean water, education, a roof over their head, health care and forms of income. These things are given things in life that we take for granted because of where we grow up. It’s so easy to not even think about turning on the tap for water and to grumble about waking up for classes in the morning. For children across the world though, they must have a hard time imagining what it is even like. That is why more people must join the bandwagon to give hope to the adults of our future. It’s sad to consider that the next president or famous artist could be living with no opportunities for their potential.

Every single person counts and matters in that circle. By taking away two people, it would affect the circle’s shape. It is the same for anything you do. Everyone counts and Free the Children strives to make that message clearer. They help young people realize they can make a real contribution to the world.

To get closer to a poverty-free world, change is gradually coming. It takes children, their families and believers to move forward and break out of the cycle of poverty. Poverty is an inequitable fixation affecting the world that can be changed.

The children of today are the adults of tomorrow. To me, for that reason is why I believe Free the Children is so outstanding. 65% of the donations are raised by children themselves wanting other children to have better lives. Can you imagine the future?

Today my mom called from the hospital where she works as a nurse. This call wasn't like the others when she tells me to cook the chicken at 350 degrees for an hour. As soon as I picked up the phone I could tell she was excited about something.

She explained that a man was in the hospital and had been for a very long time. This man was battling cancer and in more pain than you could imagine. I had heard about his story before because he is a friend of my uncle, but my mom asked if I would come down and meet him, as he requested.

Nervousness and excitement ran through my body after I said yes. There was no way that I would decline the offer! But I kept asking myself, "Why me? I'm no celebrity..."

When I walked into the hospital room where he was, he slowly got up and shook my hand. His brother was there with him and we had a conversation for a few moments. The two kept saying how honored and lucky they were to meet me. Every time they said it my smile got bigger and bigger! It was mindboggling to me how I could brighten up their day just like that. It felt so good to cheer someone up and make them feel better, especially complete strangers!

They wanted their photo taken with me so we posed for a couple snap shots. And after, I gave my first autograph - ever! ;)

This was such a rewarding experience that truly warmed my heart. I wish I could have that feeling every and brighten the lives of people who have past and present struggles to overcome. They made me feel so special and like a celebrity. I would lie if I said I didnt like that feeling! But honestly, I would love to do this for more people if I only knew they would want to see me!

The little opportunities like this that my title provides me with are amazing and will be remembered for the rest of my life.

For the pageant, each delegate must choose a platform that they support. It can be a charity or something close to their heart that they believe in. For me, my platform had to be something that I'm very passionate about and that I have a connection to.

At the age of 8, I began struggling with my weight. I didn't think much of being larger until the bullying set in, and clothes were impossible to buy unless from the ladies section. I was happy go lucky and carefree of what anyone thought until the harsh comments from the kids at school took its toll on me. At my highest weight was when I was 14 years old, with a height of 5’2 I weighed 165 pounds. I can recall so many mean things people said to me. The people probably wouldn’t even remember it today but the statements made scar a person forever. I remember looking on the scale and telling myself, that one day it would go down, but just not right now. Everyone has dreams, but for anything to be accomplished you have to put in the effort.

In the summer of 2006, my mom forced me to take my Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion to become a lifeguard. I didn’t want to do it but the four hour workout in the swimming pool for 10 days straight did me good. I was proud of myself; I noticed my clothes were looser and that I was a little bit more toned! On the final day was the exam, and after completed and passed, the man testing announced to the group of 5 taking the course, “some of us need to work on our bodies.” As he said this he leaned over and pinched my shoulder. I knew it was directed at me because everyone else was tiny. Right there all of my confidence built up came crashing down and I remember crying for days after. For the first time it wasn’t children picking on me, it was a grown man criticizing my weight.

Although hurtful, it gave me the motivation that I needed. Over the course of a year or two, I slowly and healthily lost about 50 pounds. I exercised and watched very closely what I ate, because I knew I deserved better than the way people were treating me.

My experience has showed me that I can do absolutely anything I put my mind to. It showed me the importance of taking care of myself and living a healthy lifestyle, which is why I’ve chosen “Living a healthy lifestyle” as my platform. Obesity and body image struggles are major growing concerns in today’s society especially among youth. I believe I’m a relatable young lady for girls across Canada and the world. There are very few lucky people out there who haven’t been hurt by bullying. I’m not a superficial perfect girl, no one is perfect and I know that. I’m proud to say that I’m a very accepting person and never degrade anyone because of the excessive hurt it causes, that I’ve experienced first hand. I would also like to say that I think everyone is beautiful inside and out, and that size does not matter. What matters is that you have confidence, are happy with who you are and most importantly are healthy!

Being a part of Miss Teen Canada has given me a huge confidence boost because I've accomplished something I never thought I would! In April, during the Saskatchewan competition was the first time I've worn a bikini in public. It was the first time I really felt comfortable enough to be infront of people speaking and walking around smiling. I'm so glad I got that opportunity because it's only brought positive aspects into my life.

I’m in the midst of making final preparations, tanning, getting my legs waxed, hair dyed, and my nails done and dresses altered. Along with finishing up blog assignments, exercising, practising my walk and speaking skills and making appearances. My Schedule has been CRAMMED! With all of the effort I’ve put it I can only imagine those other 53 girls have been doing the same! It will be one fierce competition that’s for sure!

As the time passes and the night of the 25^th approaches it makes me realize more and more how much I really want it. By it, I mean the amazing opportunity to be an ambassador for young women to look up to. By it, I mean my dream, of being Miss Teen Canada-World. It’s already a dream come true being a role model for my town and province, and to be the girl I looked up to as a child. I am so much more than lucky to have my title of Miss Teen Southern-Saskatchewan as it is, but it makes me hungry for even more.

According to Annissa ; Your guide to gorgeous!

What would the show be?

If I was the star of my own TV show, I would choose a reality show based on beauty. The show would be called ‘According to Annissa’ and I would travel around the country to different cities, testing out beauty products, local salons and spas to uncover the finest. My show would be geared towards young women ages 15-20. I would test merchandise and services during the show and recommend the best products for price. I would also visit local boutique clothing stores that carry local fashion designers’ clothes and interview them to promote them in an upbeat way.

Who would my sponsors be?

Faze Magazine is a positive, Canadian-based magazine for teens and young adults. I would create great write-ups and reviews for every issue, with interviews as well. Along with the magazine itself and their website, I’ll expose the best of the best! It’s extremely popular and even available in the United States, so it has the perfect fan base for my television show.
 

I would be on television with the camera focused on me some of the time; with my sparkling white smile I need something to frame it. The exciting lip-gloss line Balmshell has a fifteen beautiful shades to compliment any skin tone. They’re not only limited to lips, but cheeks as well to keep my skin fresh looking and the attention on my face and what I’m saying. They’re not only cute looking on the outside; the product is perfect to giving you that ideal pout and rosy cheeks.

To put my best skin out there, the widely available Jergens moisturizer collection would give me the wonderful healthy glowing skin. Tanning beds are dangerous and lead to wrinkles as you age. Jergens has many breakthrough formulas and self tanning lotions to make you look great without the downfalls. With its’ pleasant scent, it gives skin a subtle allure that captivates.

As I pitch and test products on the show I could only hope to gain other great supporting sponsors. There are so many ways that I could incorporate every company, other than the main three I had chosen.

What part of my life does the TV show focus on?

I love all beauty products and adore going to the salon. I love feeling pretty, looking my best, and getting the most out of my money. I have stacks of fashion and beauty magazines, which all recommend different products as the absolute best. I could spend hours in the makeup isles deciding what to purchase, because I can’t decide! I could never get bored with this show and it would be so much fun to actually test products out yourself, finding the truth!

Would my show be a hit?

Yes my show would be a hit because what teen girl does not love makeup and beauty supplies? In no way would I promote any product negatively, and I would never degrade anyone or any merchandise.

Only 34 days until I leave!

As you all know, the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant is just weeks away :)

As part of the competition, one of the categories for awards is the People's Choice Award. Voting will begin in July and the lady with the most votes gets automatically elevated to the top 20 selection out of 54 gorgeous girls! Which is a HUGE step!

By visiting the official website, www.missteencanadaworld.com click on the 'Become A VIP' link in the top right corner. By entering your name, age and email address, you'll become eligable to vote for your favorite deligate. You must confirm your email address so remember to check your inbox and your junk mail too. When it's time, go to the page where it lists the fabulous finalists. You only have one vote so choose wisely! Please show your support, and possibly help me out in my quest to the crown :)

If you're interested in following me other ways, you can check out my tweets on Twitter :) www.twitter.com/annissacheyne

As well as joining my Facebook group! "Support Annissa Cheyne for Miss Teen Canada '09" to recieve even more updates! Thanks for following and your much appreciated support everyone!

Never. Give. Up.