Ann-Sophie, 19

P.S. she has purple hair

What is your favourite word? Confidence - I used to suffer from Anorexia and I almost died from it. I learned that you have to love yourself. I started going to the gym and doing weightlifting to feel better and become strong. I believe that going to the gym saved my life. It helped to feel confident, not give up, and love my body.

What is your least favourite word? Close-minded -  without being open-minded you can’t enjoy the world. You have to be able to see the world from other perspectives.

What turns you on? Knowledge - people who can maintain a conversation and who are not just dial tones. I love talking about different topics such as health but I am curious about everything. If I have a question, I just ask or I will look it up.

What turns you off? Someone that does not smile - it’s not appealing. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Travelling for free. When I was a kid, we used to travel as a family and we usually go on these package deals wherein you can only stay within certain areas and I always wanted to go farther than the gates.

What is your current state of mind? Relaxed - I learn how to let things go and I am still improving on how to do that. When I left Quebec, I was told to not try to control everything but it is natural for me to think about others because I’m the oldest of my siblings and I want to make sure that they are doing fine and have everything they need.

Which living person do you most admire? There are so many people I look up to but if I have to mention one person it will be Malala. She’s an activist who survived a murder attempt and continues to be a symbol of hope for a lot of people, especially for women.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement? Saving my own life. I did not get help for it. It is important to get help and not be stubborn like me. At one point in previous years, I realize that my weight is not healthy. With my Anorexia, I went through body dysmorphia. Today, I can’t seem to remember when was the exact moment I decided to do something about it, it’s like my brain blocked those memories.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My nose and breasts. When I suffered from Anorexia, it really affected my body even until now. I just need to accept that but if I have the money in the future I would consider having it improved.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Bienvenue”