I’ve always been very active with a mind that just keeps going. I was first ever diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD when I was only in grade 2. My whole life I was always told that there was something wrong with me. A combination of childhood trauma and an unstable upbringing was just a recipe for disaster. I was given labels and diagnoses that became my identity. At 15 years old, I dropped out of high school and was admitted to the eating disorder unit. My mind never stopped and I would easily get bored which led me to become very destructive. I fell down a slippery slope of drugs and alcohol. By age 17 I was addicted to crystal meth and selling myself to get my next fix. My life didn’t feel worth living anymore. I was lost. I did a lot of physical damage to my body due to my own choices. I now have hypoglycemia as a result of my eating disorder. I needed to make changes or I was going to die. I was frail and malnourished when I first started working out but I quickly took a liking to the gym. I began training every day, I finally had something constructive to put my energy into. I had a complete lifestyle change. I no longer hung around with people who only wanted to party, I made friends who also liked to work out. I didn’t miss my old life, I never belonged there. Fitness has become a way of life that I will never give up. I am so thankful to be a part of such a supportive community.
Discuss your prep for the show: I had been training every day for two years and I knew that I wanted to compete, I just didn’t know where or when. Once I was registered for the comp, I found a coach right away. I had a coach for 3 months prior to the show. My prep was quite similar to the way I was already living. I continued to train every day but started a new workout plan. I started a new meal plan that wasn’t far off from the way I was already eating and I quit drinking. Things only got better and I was so happy to have something to work toward. I felt like I was finally doing something for me, something that mattered to me. I worked hard and the entire process was amazing. After the TNT show, I did two more back-to-back, including the Vancouver pro qualifier.
Any challenges? I had people in my life tell me that it wasn’t a good idea but that didn’t stop me because I know myself best and know what’s best for me even if others don’t understand my personal goals.
How was the TNT Muscle show for you? It was the most incredible experience of my life and it was a major turning point for me. It was at the TNT show that I realized this is what I want to do, this is what I want to pursue wholeheartedly.
Tara and Tamen put on a great show, what stood out from the show from your perspective? Everything about the show was a great experience for me. I loved how they had the pose-down a couple of months prior and I was so happy to be able to participate in that. I also liked how connected everyone was on social media, I got to know some people through Instagram who I met in person at the TNT show and I thought that was super cool. I love how connected everyone was and how I was able to follow others who were in prep for the show. I made some friends that I wouldn’t have made otherwise. I love that they offered the transformation contest and I felt so supported by the people there.
How was your experience at the Van pro show? I got the flu the day of the show, I woke up incredibly sick. I was very unwell but that didn’t stop me. I was the only junior figure competitor so I ended up taking first place. It was a good experience. There were a lot of people and it was different being in an unfamiliar city but I felt like things went well considering how sick I was that day.
What are your future fitness plans? My next competition will be the Toronto pro qualifier in October which I am registered for. I will be doing the figure open class. My goal is to become a certified figure coach, go for my pro card and help motivate others to be the best that they can be. I want to be able to share with others that anything is possible and that hard work always pays off. I will continue training and continue with a healthy lifestyle and I want to be part of helping others who want to make positive changes too.
What would it mean for you to go to the Olympia or Arnold Classic? My goal is to compete at Olympia in 2020. It would mean the absolute world to me. I know that I will make it there, I am willing to do whatever it takes. It would mean more to me than I can put into words because this is a huge goal of mine that once felt so far off. I believe that we can do anything we set our mind to.
What are your thoughts on our Status Model Search? It was a blast! I had so much FUN! And I felt like I was able to really express my true personality. It was different from anything I’ve ever done before. I am so blessed to have been able to be part of such a cool opportunity. I thought the model search went exceptionally well and I had a great time.
