Melina Svab, 27-years-old, aspires to become a therapist specializing in aiding younger individuals who struggle with mental health. Growing up, Melina struggled with her own mental health. Wanting to learn more, she enrolled in a double major in Visual Arts and Psychology. For Melina, the combination of art and psychology was a safe outlet to express her feelings, while learning about what those feelings meant. After completing her Bachelor’s degree she continued her studies at Fanshawe, where working in grade schools Melina witnessed first hand how many youth struggle just to get through the day. This is where her passion for aiding others developed into her focus. While finding her aspirations through school, Melina has dedicated her time to her community by volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Windsor. Through numerous events, fundraisers of her own to raise awareness, and her role as a Sole Focus Project Ambassador, Melina shares her mental health struggles, allowing her to connect with and support those requiring assistance navigating through their journey. Listening to other people’s stories, Melina knows that she can do more to support those around her. In doing so, Melina has applied to complete a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, becoming a therapist to be able to share the knowledge that would have been immensely valuable to her growing up.In 2015, Melina joined her first pageant, the Miss LaSalle pageant. She didn’t know what to expect when she entered but received everything from lifelong friends to newfound confidence. Melina has been involved with pageants ever since, seeing success throughout her pageant career. She is now an enthusiastic individual who is not afraid of failing, or falling, and will always rise to a challenge. Melina is ecstatic to have the opportunity to once again be a part of the Miss LaSalle pageant, where her journey began, and to show that no matter where you are in life, nothing is a failure, and everything is a success because you will always grow from any experience in life.