Vanessa's Testimonial
Vanessa Regnier, winner of RapSohD's 2nd annual Talented Teens Canada competition, held in May 2002, at the Pierrefonds Cultural Centre, Quebec, will always be RapSohD's first Miss Talented Teen Canada from the province of Ontario.
Her prize was the round trip to New York, where she represented Canada at the 32nd annual Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International (HJTTI) scholarship competition last July. Unique opportunities, educational enrichment, new friendships and exposure to different cultures were some of the benefits that awaited this brave fifteen-year-old.
Since this was Vanessa's first visit to the U.S.A. one may conclude that after a week of intense activities, she would have gained a greater knowledge about her environment, some insight into the work ethics required for a successful career in the field of entertainment, developed friendships and future contacts at an international level. Added to that would be some impressive data for her curriculum vitae and great memories.
Congratulations and thanks to Vanessa for her great performances and willing participation as she represented Canada at HJTTI 2002.
The Committee members & supporters
RapSohD
Open letter to Mrs Norma Heitner from Vanessa Regnier, Miss HJTTI Canada 2002:
To members of RapSohD:
First and foremost I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to perform on Broadway Avenue in the most amazing city in the world, New York City. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a memory of a lifetime. Having met 34 other girls from around the world and being able to share different opinions on different topics are part of an unforgettable experience.
When we got there it seemed that seven days was going to last a long time, but the time went by fast, too fast. We got to know each other in such little time it was hard to leave so soon. I got to see so many new things, not to mention Ground 0, Macy's department store, I personally got to meet Mario, who sings one of my favourite songs and I got to go to the Apollo theatre on amateur night. I also got to eat something that was very tasty, soul food. What a week!
On the other side the training activities for the final night's parade of nations, titled "Images of Greatness" were arduous, long, hot, due to the weather and very tiring. The day would start off very early and would end very late, but it was all worth it in the end. We had a blast together learning different dancing methods and new dance moves from around the world. That was something that I brought home to Canada to show all my friends how good I became in a matter of a week.
The end came near and soon it was time to come home, but by that time I was eager to come home see my family, friends and to sleep in my bed! But the preliminaries were something that I will never forget! I was so scared and I was so nervous to perform in front of those people who have contributed so much to the entertainment business. In the end everything went well. That night I don't think that I slept that great because of everything that was running through my mind.
Here it came, the final night and I was more nervous than anything, it was time to put on the show and perform all the dances that we had prepared and all the great costumes that were involved were finally being showed to an audience. By that point we all had worked so hard to be where we were, that we all felt privileged to be in the presence of Mr. Hal Jackson and to be one of his 2002 Talented Teens. It could not get any better then this.
Finally the moment had come, top 10 are announced, I did not place, unfortunately, and to be honest I was heart broken, I was very upset and my emotions did get the best of me. But I am a teenage girl and I had to let it out before I would get frustrated. But the girl who had made it deserved it. They were bright, beautiful and mostly very talented!
The performance was great and I had the time of my life. It was unbelievable. The night went on and Miss Talented Teen 2002 was announced and it was Miss New Jersey. It came as no surprise to anybody in the audience!! Teena was an unbelievable girl. She was a good friend through it all in New York. Teena deserved the title and I am glad that she received what she deserved!
Congratulations Teena!! I know you're going to have a blast! And as for me, my journey continues as Miss Talented Teen Canada 2002. Representing Canada at the 32nd annual Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International last July, has been unbelievable and "a dream come true". The overwhelming feeling experienced during the time spent in New York is hard to describe and my memories will last forever.
I look forward to seeing all of you very soon. Best wishes to all.
Love,
Vanessa Regnier
Miss RapSohD Talented Teen 2002
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