Ela Mino - Miss Universe Canada 2012 Profile

Ela Mino | Miss Universe Canada 2012

Age: 20

Height: 5'8"

Hometown: Calgary

BIO: Always smiling and making others laugh, Ela Mino is a passionate young woman full of life. Ela is a 3rd year student at the University of Calgary, Majoring in Law and Society, with a Minor in Political Science.

After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend Law School. Her greatest career ambition is to become a sports lawyer.

In addition to her academic endeavours, Ela is also a dedicated athlete. She plays ice hockey and soccer, as she is a strong believer in living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Being involved in athletics since the age of 5, she has learned the importance of commitment, ambition and leadership.

Ela was also fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to travel to Eastern Europe at a young age and experience the cultures of other countries.

Witnessing the extreme poverty in some parts of countries like Albania, Ela was motivated to find a way to help those in need.

At the age of 10, she began volunteering at the Centre for Newcomers (A centre that is dedicated to helping new comers to Canada integrate into Canadian society). As she has grown, she has continued to embrace any opportunities that allow here to be actively involved in her community. Whether it is face painting at the Greek Festival or shaving heads for Epilepsy, she recognizes that all causes are important.

Languages spoken fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language).

English, (Semi-fluent: Albanian)

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

My interests include Ice hockey, soccer, beach volleyball, hiking, running, community involvement, traveling, trying new things and meeting new people. I believe that the best way to learn about life is to expose your self to new people and new cultures.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I have participated in various forms of athletic training. I also took drama classes for 3 years in Junior High.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

6 years of Ice hockey, 2 of which were Junior A

5 years of Basketball

5 years of Soccer, 3 of which were at the Premiere level

3 years of Volleyball

3 Years of Cross Country Running

1 year of Ballroom Dancing

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

Marica Ceko- a close family friend. She has exemplified to me, that the beauty of a person is a reflection of the good in their heart. She has a passion for helping people, yet expecting nothing in return. She is truly admirable!

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment has been attending the University of Calgary and earning various academic scholarships. Attending university has been a life changing experience, as I have really learned the value behind determination, ambition and independence. I have also won various awards and medals through athletics.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

The most interesting thing that has happened to me was being given the title of Miss Red Deer 2011. This title contributed to my own personal growth by allowing me to become aware of how important it is to be involved in various causes. Although there is a charity or cause you may relate to, I learned that all causes are equally important and grateful for your help!

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My career ambition is to become a Sports lawyer. Lawyers play an important role in society through the practice of law. I am currently preparing myself for law school by completing an Undergraduate degree (Majoring in Law and Society, with a Minor in Political Society). I am also preparing to write the LSAT exam this upcoming October.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be something that makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I am very passionate about law as well as athletics, so my dream job is to open up my own sports law firm in Canada. Once I have achieved this, my goal would be to continue working in sports law, however internationally. It would be fascinating to meet athletes from all over the world and to see how the dynamics of sports change from one country to another!

Are you currently a student?

Yes

If yes, where?

University of Calgary

Area of study:

Major in Law and society, with a Minor in Political Science.

Are you currently employed?

No

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was born in Red Deer, Alberta however my family moved to Calgary before my first birthday. I was raised in an extremely close and loving family. At a very young age, my parents taught me the importance of education and to have an appreciation for the opportunities I am given in life. I was raised to have an open mind and to embrace everyone’s differences. As a child I also loved being outdoors with my family. Whether it was hiking, fishing, or playing street hockey, being outside captivated me!

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

At the age of 12 I was a secretary at an accounting firm. This was where I first discovered how stressful the real world could be!

List any volunteering you have done.

Centre for Newcomers

Bare Noggin head shave for Epilepsy

Stampede Charity Breakfast for Sick Kids

Face painting at the Greek Festival

SOS Children’s Village

What is your most unusual talent?

I used to be able to do tricks on a scooter. Other than that I haven’t discovered any strange talents!

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

New York City. Walking through the streets of New York is amazing! The people are so fascinating and the City has so much culture. There is a story behind every person that walks by you, and in New York, many of these stories are expressed through fashion.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

My goal for the future is to feel happy and fulfilled with what I have accomplished in my life. In ten years from now I hope to be a successful sports lawyer. I would also like to have a family of my own! My biggest hope for the future however is to not have any regrets. I believe that life is about taking chances and seeing where new opportunities will take you!

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

My attitude in life is summarized by the following:

“Even a fool knows you cannot touch the stars, but that doesn’t stop a Wiseman from trying.”

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