How were you convinced to join Miss Earth Canada 2007 pageant?

After I competed in Miss Universe Canada 2007, I was contacted by the organizer of Miss Earth-Canada. After speaking to several girls who were in the competition the previous year, I decided to participate and paid the $1000 fee to join. I was very happy to win, because it gave me this amazing opportunity to participate in Miss Earth 2007.

Tell us about your Miss Earth 2007 experience in the Philippines? Any treasured memories from the pageant?

My experience in the Miss Earth 2007 had two main highlights. The first was being able to travel around the Philippines and Vietnam.

Did you expect winning the title? What do you think is the most interesting or unique thing about you that made you win the title of Miss Earth 2007?

Never in a million years did I expect to win the title. On coronation night, I prayed and told God that I really wanted to win the title but asked that he give it to the most deserving girl. I believe I won the title of Miss Earth 2007 because I had confidence that I would do really well in the competition. I knew I had made a good impression on some of the judges and just put my faith in God. It was only after the final question that I thought, “Hey, I might actually win!”

How is your life changed after winning the prestigious Miss Earth title?

My life has become better and more meaningful. I’ve had new opportunities to travel to countries like Indonesia. I’ve done more volunteer work, especially with young women. I’ve met politicians and environmental leaders from all over the world and have been able to share my thoughts with them. My life has been truly blessed.

As Miss Earth you have traveled to different destinations like the Philippines, USA and Indonesia just to name a few, tell us about it?

I think the hardest part of traveling is all the time spent on the plane. After 20 hours of travel, it’s hard to still look fresh and beautiful. The best part of traveling is meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. My goal for the rest of the year is to bring back something from each country for my home, so visitors who can’t travel to those countries can see a little bit of every culture in my house.

Tell us about your duties and responsibilities as Miss Earth? Are there any social causes that you promote or support during your reign?

I will spend my year as Miss Earth serving as an environmental advocate. My platform really focuses on the importance of education and teaching people environmentally positive behaviour. I also speak to young women about body image and the media.

In November, your reign will end the moment you pass on your crown to the next Miss Earth, how you feel about it? Is there anything you want to say or advice to the next winner?

I think I will be both happy and sad. I’ll have happiness for the new Miss Earth and her reign but I’ll be sad that all the travel and other opportunities given to me this year will come to an end. However, I’m celebrating the end of my reign with a 3 week trip to India, one country I was not able to visit as Miss Earth 2007. My advice to the new winner would be for her to use this title to do as much good in the world as possible. If each queen challenges the next to do more and be better, then Miss Earth will continue to grow.

Do you have any advice to young women who would like to become a beauty queen like you? What does it take to win an international beauty pageant like Miss Earth?

The winners of international beauty pageants must have the total package. They may not be the most beautiful girl on stage, or the best in bikini, but they have special qualities which make them stand out from the crowd. They have confidence and charisma. I don’t think you can be taught these things. I think in the moment, standing on stage, true beauty queens just shine.

Given the chance to address the citizens of the world, what would you say or advice about the alarming issues we have on the Environment today, like for example Global Warming?

We are citizens not of our respective countries, but of the earth. We are one planet. We are one people. We must recognize that the environmental problems in one country affect the whole earth. We must start working together to achieve a better future. We must remember that united we stand, and divided we fall, and must share knowledge and technology so we can come up with a long term solution to the problem of climate change.

When you are not wearing the crown, what does Jessica Trisko do in real life?

I am a student at McGill University and a part-time researcher there.

How do you think a friend would describe you as a person?

Dependably, friendly and smart.

What is your own definition of beauty? What do you think makes a person beautiful?

For me, being beautiful is about embracing what makes you unique. There is no beauty in every girl having the same colour eyes or the same colour hair. We should focus on what makes us special, and different, and celebrate that.

Do you have any beauty secrets or tips that you like to share with us?

Try to wear as little make-up as possible in your day to day life. It helps keep your skin clear and makes getting ready for a night out or a big event that much more fun.

Tell us about your favorite book?

My favourite book is called the Poisonwood Bible. It’s by Barbara Kingsolver and is about the lives of missionaries in the Congo. I think the book is about really learning from life’s lessons and embracing each other’s differences.

Any personal quote or motto that you live by?

Be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

Can you name 3 things you can't live without?

My family, my dog, and learning.

What place on Earth would you like most to visit and why do you like to go there?

There is a town in Russia called Petrozavodsk. I was able to visit while I was a student in St. Petersburg. It’s the one place I’ve visited where I’ve felt absolute peace and calm.

Who is the person you admire most? Why?

I don’t think there is one specific person but I think my generation has a lot of leaders to admire. I think Oprah Winfrey is admirable for her generosity. I think that Hilary Clinton is admirable for her courage. I think that the many cancer survivors and others we have touch our lives are admirable for their courage. Personally, I admire all the young girls I meet for their honesty and sincerity.

After your reign as Miss Earth, where will you be? How do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from now?

I will continue with my studies and hopefully do modeling work part time. My ultimate dream would be to work in India, but I don’t know where the wind will take me!

What can you say as your final message to all our visitors and to all your fans from around the world?

I said this while in Vietnam, but the message continues to move me. The waters which touch the shores of any country are the same waters which touch the beaches where I grew up. We don’t realize how close we are as one people, one planet, until we realize this. Every action we take affects every other person on earth. Please keep this in mind and let it be a daily inspiration to live a better, greener life for yourself and for the rest of the earth.

Special thanks to Jessica Trisko for this special interview!

<< Return to the homepage