Melania Tora, the newly crowned Miss Hibiscus 2024, demonstrated her commitment to gratitude by attending church to thank God for her success, despite the buzz and activities of the week.
The 24-year-old from Sabeto, who has familial ties to Vanuabalavu in Lau, highlighted that expressing thanks and praise to God is essential. After a church service at Fiji Connect held at the USP Laucala Campus, Tora reflected on her spiritual journey, saying, “Being with Jesus is so wonderful. I am not perfect, but I have had my own journey and testimony.”
She emphasized the importance of faith in her life, stating that her achievements and victories are rooted in her relationship with God. Tora expressed her appreciation for the support from her community, saying it was an unexpected yet significant boost during her journey. She plans to celebrate her victory with her supporters soon and expressed her excitement for their backing.
Tora also affirmed her commitment to advocating for marginalized groups, mentioning her past work with cancer survivors, sex workers, and juvenile support groups. She believes that her new platform as Miss Hibiscus will enable her to promote meaningful change and involve more Fijians in these efforts.
Speaking about her experience with the other contestants, Tora said it was an honor to connect with such remarkable women, despite the challenges they faced together. She described the journey as emotional yet fulfilling, highlighting the strength she draws from her faith and support network.
As a piece of advice for those considering participation in the next competition, Tora encouraged anyone who believes they can make a difference in their community to take the leap. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what ethnicity you are,” she noted, encouraging future contestants to embrace the opportunity for growth and impact.