My grandmothers neighbor while at the care home and her daughter

My Platform is Volunteerism. I grew up as a child knowing that I have to give back to my community in anyway I can. Today I helped out with the annual Mothers day tea at the personal care home, where my Grandmother spent her last years, as she passed away just over a year ago. Volunteering today was an emotional walk down memory lane for my mom and myself. I have previously attended this Mothers day tea with my family. This year it had a Victorian Era theme. The workers at the Care Home, dressed in very gorgeous and

extravagant dresses, put on a fashion show, serving drinks and daintees. I sat at a table with my elder friend Ronny, collecting donations and door prize draw entries.

When my grandmother was still with us she made many friends with her neighbors, this is one of many. Volunteering today was more meaningful to me than it has been in a long time.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”  ~ Unknown

I am greatful everyday that I get to spend with my mother, and I understand what a special relationship it is and how much it means to me. My heart goes out to anyone that has not had the chance or lost a loved one with this kind of close relationship. I pray that everyone will have love, hope and light in your heart that will guide you as a mother would guide her daughter.

All the best in the upcoming week!

xoxo Harlee

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I have grown up in a loving home with two parents, a sister and a brother. My parents split up when in was very young. With my older sister always supporting me in what ever I did, I knew that I could always count on her. She set the example for me to be a loving older sibling for me so I could be an amazing older sister to my brother, as he was born when I was 7 years old. From a very young age I knew that I wanted to grow up and be a dancer, at the age of 4 I started in my first dance class and fell in love. I continued dancing for the next 10 years

Teaching a dance I personally choreographed, in the Dominican.

Teaching a dance I choreographed, in the Dominican.

of my life and I was presented with the idea of going on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic to teach dance to kids and teenagers. Provide them with something fun to do so their parents or guardians could go to work or do stuff around the house and know that their child is not getting into trouble but doing something meaningful with their time. This was the forth missions trip that I went on. When I was 7 years old my love for volenteering, helping, and going outside of my comfort zone started. In the Dominican Republic I have helped build a school and church, taught dance, provided food and medical care to people who need it. Education is a really big part of my life and something I am most passionate about. Seeing and helping with the development of a school

My first missions trip to the Dominican Republic in 2006

in a third world country at such a young age, impacted me in a big way. I came back to Canada extremely thankful for what I took  for granted every day. I learned that it’s not having lots of stuff that makes a person happy, it’s about people loving people. I was blown away by their love, joy and generosity! Having very little, they are still always ready to share. I also learned that when you see someone in need to try to the best of your abilities to help them or find someone to help. Which leads me to my platform, volunteerism. I chose this because the impact that the Dominican people left on me was life changing! I aspire everyday to see what some people may have over looked and go help with all that I have been blessed with in my life.

In grade 6, I moved to the school I am currently attending, Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute. This was a big change for me as I was so young but also my previous school was french emersion and I had to switch over to complete english. I have struggled over the years in my studies and it has been difficult. The hard work and dedication that I have put in has paid off though. I can proudly say that

Big thank you to Kevin King!

I have been on honor role for the past 5 years and will continue to put in hard work as this school year is quickly coming to an end and exams are quickly approaching also.

I am very proud to say that I was featured in the Winnipeg Sun this past monday. I was able to share some of my story with many people in my hometown! Just a quick update on my knee, all stitches are out and I am healing very nicely, my knee is starting to look like the knee I used to know!

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It’s crazy for me to think that I was crowned Miss Teen Winnipeg – World 2013 less than a month ago. In this time I have been very busy. Just 4 days after receiving this honor I left for a trip of a life time to Europe with my school! I got the chance to meet up with my big sister Tess in Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, the Louver, Catacombs and so much more in France. We then moved on to Switzerland, went up into the Swiss Alps where I took the

Berlin Wall separating Eastern and Western Germany came down in 1989.

"Oui Oui Monsieur" Fresh Croissants, baguettes, crepes, and eclairs in Paris

opportunity to yodel from 7000 feet above sea level.  Next stop was in  Austria and ended off in Germany. I got to see and tour the Neuschwanstein Castle built by King Ludwig II. This castle is what Walt Disney based his trademark castle off of. From Munich we took an overnight train the Berlin, where I learnt so much about Germany’s rich history.

Soon after arriving safely home, it was time for me to get knee surgery. After a reoccurring knee injury that I have faced over the past 4 years, my family and I decided that it was time to get it fixed for good. I have had the surgery and am now happy to say  I’m recovering very well and will hopefully be back running, dancing and working out in no time at all.

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As I look out the window and see all the snow that has fallen, I look at the tree my dad brought home and placed in the yard.. hard to believe there are 10 days until Christmas.  Until I saw our Christmas tree, I wasn’t aware of how close Christmas really is. School has kept me busy and time really is flying. Today we have been busy decorating the house and it now feels like Christmas is coming.  I love Christmas and always look forward to it. It is my favorite holiday. Memories, sharing stories, family traditions, seeing friends and family is always special but so much more at Christmas time.  Also with 2013 just around the corner, I start to reflect at what the past year has been like. It has had its ups and downs like a year is supposed to have.. the highlight of mine of course was the opportunity given to me when I won the title of  Miss Teen Winnipeg World. I have experienced things that would never have never have been possible without this. Seriously… who would have thought I would be a part of Miss Teen Canada World – WOW, that really is unbelievable. I have traveled,  met some really great people, attended some very cool events and connected with a lot of girls across Canada who have had the same experiences as me. I have made friends near and far. One of the best things that came out of this title was being able to make a difference in so many different ways and learning so much about Free The Children. Giving back to my community has been very rewarding and getting friends and family involved has been great. I have done many things that I never would of thought I would have been able to . Having this title really helped me learn more about me and where I am headed.  After Toronto, I spent the summer in Winnipeg and attended Folklorama – Canada’s Greatest Multicultural Festival and other events in the city. September came and went and I started school late due to knee surgery and I am finally brace & crutch free!!

Christmas Hamper

Recently I participated in a drive for a Christmas Hamper and have been doing this with my family since grade 3.. its a great feeling when you can see the smile on people’s faces and know you have helped make someone’s holiday a little bit nicer. Its been very cold in Winnipeg as many of you know.. last week the temperature dropped to -38. That was cold and I really dislike the cold weather, while my brother is in heaven and has not come of the skating rink since last week!!! I guess its warmed up a bit, but  I miss that summer sun and heat. Until then Keep Warm, enjoy your family and make the most of the holidays. Thank you all for your help throughout this year, I wont name you all, but you do know who you are and I wouldn’t have made it this far without you. I will never forget the support and love you have showed me this year. I look forward to the New Year and look forward to what the New Year has in store for us.

Keeping Warm in Winnipeg - Merry Christmas to all from Gabriela Cubela -Miss Teen Winnipeg World

I wish my friends, family and visitors of my blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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What an incredibly moving, emotional day which provided me and 18,000 others much learning, compassion and was a reality check for most of the students in the MTS Centre.

I can  not begin to describe the feeling I took away from  We Day this year. I know that over the last six months I have learned a lot about Free the Children charity thru my involvement with  Miss Teen Canada- World. One thing I can tell you for sure is that being a part of We Day was so powerful that it has motivated me to do more and to share so much of the information that I learnt about Free the Children with many others. It was unbelievable. Firstly, I would like to thank  Jackie Plessi, Associate Director, We Day for the amazing care she took of me, Devon and Courtney. Devon, Jackie, Courtney, GabrielaI was very grateful when I was taken to a suite in the arena to watch the entire program. I was happy about this, mainly because I am still walking with a brace on my leg and have just the day before We Day gotten off my crutches which made it much easier for me to not have to go thru huge crowds.

Gabriela, Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of Truth & Reconciliation

Gabriela, Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of Truth & Reconciliation

I met so many inspirational people that day and heard so many moving testimonies that I know there is so much more work to be done. We are all so fortunate to be able to take part in something that is so huge, I would describe it as a global movement that keeps getting bigger and better.   This year featured a welcome from Honorable Mayor Sam Katz,  performances from Shawn Desman and Lights, Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev and Mount Kilimanjaro climber Spencer West. Also in attendance were Premier Greg Selinger, Manitoba’s Children and Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief and Justice Murray Sinclair.

“Founders Marc and Craig Kielburger want to inspire children to lead change in their communities and around the world.”Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Spencer West received keys to the city while they were in Winnipeg. Spencer West is a motivational speaker who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro despite amputated legs.

Spencer West

“Obstacles can be overcome. I was told I would never walk again or be a functioning member of society. I climbed the largest mountain in Africa despite being told that and raised half a million dollars for clean water,” said West. “If I can do that, what more can we all do?”    Spencer raised close to $500,000.00  for Free the Children.  He inspired many that day.   Molly Burke was absolutely inspiring. Giving silence a voice. There was not a dry eye in the arena when she spoke.

Last Maasai Warriors

Last but not least, at the after event that we were invited to I got to meet everyone that participated in the show that day.. so I have attached a few more pics for you to see.

Gabi & Lights

Gabi & Shawn Desman

Gabi & Allstar Weekend

I am grateful for this day and will not forget it, it created a change in me.. as I said earlier, I am inspired and hope to get many more people inspired as well. All I can say is that Free the Children is an incredible organization that is run by incredible people. The future is in our hands…

“We so often feel powerless to do anything about the many problems in the world around us. We  are so often left to wonder whether one person can possibly make a difference. Mother Teresa said yes we can. Her life was resounding proof that it is possible.”

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After a little break.. I must tell you I have many stories and updates to share. I have been off the blog for a while, due to surgery that has been a long recovery time and I am still in the process. I am happy to share that after 8 weeks I am finally off crutches and now the hard work begins. . I will share the details of my summer and everything I’ve been up to pre and post surgery really soon. I must share with you my photos, updates, adventures and oohhhhh.. the people I’ve met. Thanks to my title of Miss Teen Winnipeg World I have made some great memories so far and look forward to more. So, what I decided to do tonight is hand out candy to all the kids wearing my crown and sash…. and all the little princesses just love it!! Talk to you very soon. Gabriela

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Wow, what a week!! Leaving home, getting to Toronto and preparing for the National competition was fun, at times exhausting and also provided a lot of learning for me. Seeing so much of Toronto with this group of ladies was awesome. I am glad to have met many nice people and I feel that we have formed friendships that will last a life time.  Seeing the diversity of so many young Canadian girls was really neat. We all stand for something and all have a cause. It is nice to see so many young women who are ready to take a stand and make a difference, after all that has been my motto from the beginning. “Stand up and be heard”.  So much talent was seen at the Preliminary event, I am still amazed, Millie blew my mind with her ballet performance. Nikita was incredible with her amazing First Nation’s Dance. Our fellow Manitoban Courtney Mandock did a lovely piece on the flute. Cecilia’s  singing was beautiful… all in all each talent was incredible.

Nikita & Gabriela after Nikita's amazing performance

Certainly an experience that I will speak of in my old age. Until then I still have time to participate in many events as Miss Teen Winnipeg World and look forward to doing so. I will be visiting pavilions in the next few weeks at Folklorama and making the most of Canada’s largest multicultural festival. I have a few schools booked in to speak about my platform which as you know is bullying. That will be happening in September.  I have been invited to speak to a group of young teens in Grand Forks, North Dakota and am thankful for that opportunity. Being able to take my title over the border!!! Does that make me an international speaker??

I have to say thank you to my “roomie” Stacey Cox.

Gabi & Stacey - Friends for Life

It’s amazing how the two of us got paired up, we quickly became friends and it felt like we knew each other forever. This is truly a friendship that will last the rest of our life. We really had so much in common.

Good times.

The other ladies-  Good times, good times!!

I wish everyone the best and congratulations to Megha Sandhu, Miss Teen Canada World 2012. I know you will make the most of this year and inspire many you meet.  Best wishes to everyone and hopefully some of us will see each other again in the future. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and who was supportive and continues to  journey with me. Your love and sincerity is appreciated more than you know.

God Bless  xoxoxo

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Live 5 days before the Miss Teen Canada World Competition – Vote Now                                                                                                Your vote could help me be one step closer to the ….

A  reminder to vote for me if you haven’t yet! Here are some step-by-step instructions! & thank you for emailing and BBM, text and all of the ways many of you have reached out to all you know to help me with the online voting.

1. Click on this link :http://www.missteencanadaworld.com/mtcw-finals/finalist-details?id=79349
2. Put your email in the black box underneath my bio(in details)  and click ‘Vote’
3. This will take you to a page where it says you need to be a VIP member. Simply put in your name, email and answer a  couple little questions and then an email will be sent to YOUR email.
4. This gets important now! You must GO to YOUR email and confirm you have received it in order for your account to be activated. (This is so fake emails are not accepted) Please check your junk emails, it may go there.
5. Once this is done, go back to the link above, and put in your email and click vote…and this time it will count!
Please support me , thanks so much.

love you all…. xoxo

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This evening I had the privelage of listening to four very inspirational and intelligent women. They had wise words. This was a very special evening for me and for the Miss Teen Canada contestants. It was my first seminar style conference and I was so happy even though we got a late start, that we were able to hear so many wise words that will help me on my journey this week and keep me very inspired. These ladies made me feel like there is nothing I can’t achieve if I set my mind to it. Lets meet the LADIES SHALL WE !!!

Melanie Chong

Melanie Chong is a bright beautiful , strong, and a ambitious model who is passionate about what she does. Her path in life went in a different direction than she had thought it would. She went from wanting to be an athlete to becoming a model.  A quote that Melanie shared tonight that really stuck with me was,  ’Rejection is the key to developing drive to achieve your goals”. I think I will remember that one. She is a confident and persistent women who can achieve whatever comes to

Melanie Chung

her mind. She shared that she always felt there was something even more for her and pursued another dream. It’s a wonderful thing to be so confident and that when you feel there is more for you, to go for it. Soy Boutique is the company which she owns and created. She has been working in the fashion and beauty industry for over 15 years. Melanie has created her own skin care products. These are natural and organic products and sound like a great skin care product. Melanie is a certified skincare technician and chemist. It is all about healthy choices and healthy living.

Katrina Haadan 

Katrina was target for bullying during her high school years, she shared one of the reasons was she was too tall??  She didn’t know why she was a target of these bullies and felt badly.  She wanted to find a hobby something that would for sure get her mind off the people at school and the torture she was going through. Katrina started to play basketball and high school she was very  good. She put  a lot of her energy into  basketball, but what she thought may have been the right path for her turned out not to be she would be on. She suffered an injury which meant she could not be playing any sport!!! Senior year her friends suggested she model. Katrina was accepted into Bern Berry’s Modeling Agency.

After she was accepted into this modeling agency she developed an eating disorder. Being a strong person, thankfully Katrina overcame her eating disorder by learning about proper health, and healthy living and she became a trainer. After overcoming something like an eating disorder,  I think she became a huge role model to younger girls & teenagers, to teach and inspire. She is a life coach. As far as teens who are facing bullying to this day she spoke of trying to –  Always forgive and move on being a good way to go and the quote from her that will stay with me is  ’Don’t Quit’.

Alexandra Orlando

Alexandra Orlando, a very inspirational young women and a Rhythmic Gymnast, who  faced many obstacles such as Adversity, Racism, Love , and some  Heart Breaks. ” You develop your strengths through your obstacles” says Alexandra. Back in 2003 Alexandra tried for the Olympics. Sad but true, she did not qualify only because she missed out on one tenth of a point. That was harsh, but that was not the end for her. Alexandra did not give up. She kept chasing her dream,  she was inspired to become somebody and did not give up. In 2008 she tried out again for the Olympic games and she qualified to go further.

Alexandra Orlando

Her dreams were coming to life. “Its all about taking chances and becoming someone you’ve always wanted to become”. I was truly amazed on how Alexandra went on and tried, did not give up and successively made it through the qualifications. This proves that one should never give up on their dream’s. We can achieve whatever we set our minds on, and like the quote we’ve all heard so many times, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”. The quote that she said that will stay with me is, “You are so much stronger than you think you are”.

Dr.Natalie Archer

For Dr.Natalie Archer, her education was always the key to something new and also the key and road towards success. She was always open to embracing new opportunities. Dr.Natalie Archer became a dentist in 2001. She tried very hard and after all that hard work came great success while also having a family.  She embraced many opportunities with her education and was a strong independent women. I was very happy with Dr. Natalie Archer’s talk, because I to would love to

Dr. Natalie Archer

become a dentist in the future. I love teeth. I  think they are one of the coolest things out there. In my 1st interview for Miss Teen Winnipeg, I remember telling Michelle that I just loved teeth, and after I felt silly, but when she asked me whyI wanted to become a dentist, I told her , I just love teeth!! Dr. Archer  says, “Education is a must” which I totally agree because without education were will I or anyone go in life? Knowledge is Power.  Many wise words for such a nice and wise woman. She inspired me to work even harder. The quote that I really loved that she said was “you are not fully dressed without your smile” I love that one, I really do.

It was amazing to hear about all the struggles and challenges the ladies faced.  To see how they overcame  their struggles and became strong and successful in what they do. I was amazed by what they shared and who they are. I can totally see why so many would look up to these wonderful four ladies for motivation and inspiration. What a great evening of sharing and learning.  Great stories with a lot of meaning. I enjoyed tonight. Thank you for taking the time and sharing a piece of your lives with me.

Gabriela

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