Miss Tammy Snook is a 22-year-old Newfoundlander, the current Miss Newfoundland and Labrador for 2018-2019 and a busy bee. She combines being a full-time student with three part-time jobs: Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union Teller, Security Solutions NL Inc. Supervisor, and Indigena Skincare Social Media Assistant and Campaign Model. In addition, she is an avid volunteer with the Children’s Wish Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society (MUN Relay for Life Committee), Commerce 2020 Student Council (Communications Representative) and Student Experience Office (Operation Lead Program).
Speaking on what motivates her to give so much of herself, she said, “Knowing that we cannot get our time back motivates me. Taking every moment as it comes and surrounding myself with encouraging and supportive people. Having previously lost four (4) family members in the span of three (3) years, I was exposed at an early age to the fact that time is valuable. I also learnt to not let the small things bother you and to treat others with love and kindness unconditionally.”
“I am grateful that I have the privilege to do what I do not only as Miss Newfoundland and Labrador but as Tammy Snook. The joyous and warm feeling I get when I truly make an impact in helping someone motivates me to continue volunteering. I think we all can make a difference in our own, impactful way,” she added.
Having always been interested in “business” and its many facets, she tries to incorporate that interest while volunteering with schools and community groups such as Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides. She tries to impress upon every participant the importance of financial literacy. This passion is also reflected in her studies at Memorial University, where she is a 5th year Bachelor of Commerce student, with a minor in Economics.
Reflecting on her journey to becoming Miss NL, she competed in 2016 for the first time on the advice of one of her best friends and then reigning queen, Miss Bridgette Abbott, Miss NL 2015-2016. She was the 2nd runner-up in that competition, winning Miss Friendship in the process. She enjoyed it so much that she contested a second time in 2017 and then once again in 2018, when she won Miss Fitness, Miss Friendship and Miss Newfoundland and Labrador!
Speaking on how winning Miss NL changed the game for her, Miss Snook says, “The feeling when the announcer called my name was the most surreal feeling I have ever experienced. Becoming Miss NL has given me a lot of extraordinary opportunities, allowed me to develop many skills, and has given me perspective. I have travelled around most of the province, including Labrador, and have met thousands of wonderful people along with being given opportunities to partake and do things I normally would not get to do. It has enhanced my networking and time management skills.”
“Miss Newfoundland and Labrador is not a ‘beauty pageant’ as the word ‘pageant’ tends to have a negative connotation to it. Miss Newfoundland and Labrador prides itself on promoting leadership, achievements, personality, fitness and communication skills of women and to provide a well-rounded role model for the province.”
“Being granted the opportunity to complete this service has also given me the chance to learn more about myself, my limitations and things I didn’t know existed about me before now. It is much harder to see family and friends due to my naturally busy schedule but they all support that and are cheering me on! It has also taught me to sit back and truly appreciate those close to me and to make sure they understand how grateful I am to have them. My boyfriend, Ciaran Tracey, is the perfect example. In the last seven (7) months, he has done numerous events with me, drives me almost everywhere as sometimes the dresses don’t allow for me to drive, makes sure I have proper, nutritious snacks to keep my energy up, takes photos for me at all the events he does attend, and supports me through it all! My parents, Peter and Natasha Snook, are also an incredible support! Whenever they can or [when] I am in the South Coast area, they attend events with me. My father travelled with me to Labrador in March to attend their Winter Festival. Without these important people in my life during this wonderful but hectic time, it would be extremely difficult. It is because of them that I can do what I do!”
Ever the motivator, she wishes every young girl knows this:
“Be you, unapologetically! Love the skin you’re in and treat yourself and others with respect. Ask questions and take the opportunities you are given, as time does not replenish… Know your limits! That it is okay to take time for yourself – to breathe, relax and refresh. I have a terrible time saying no to anything or anyone as I love to help, and I want to be involved, but I have learned over the last year that I simply cannot do everything. ”
When asked about where she sees herself in the next five years, she had this to say, “I do not have a set “five-year-plan” as things are always changing, opportunities are always arising, and life happens. I have ideals of where I see myself and various places I would like myself to be, depending on what happens leading up to it. I do, however, see a Memorial University graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce and Minor in Economics, good mental and physical health and happiness no matter where I may be or what I may be doing!”