Melania Tora, who has been crowned Miss Hibiscus 2024, believes there is no better way to celebrate her achievement than by expressing gratitude to God. The 24-year-old marked her victory with family time and a church visit, thanking God for the support she has received during her journey.
In reflecting on her preparation, Tora described a demanding process that involved fasting, prayer, and studying previous Hibiscus queens to guide her advocacy efforts. She highlighted her commitment to mental health, recognizing it as a vital issue intertwined with various social challenges, including drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence.
“I’ve struggled with anxiety and experienced a season of depression my whole life, and I know that’s hard to believe,” she shared. “I very much understand what it’s like to feel hopeless.”
She also expressed appreciation for the support she received from fellow contestants and praised the event organizers for their attention to detail and care, despite encountering minor challenges. Tora mentioned her plans to celebrate in Sabeto, expressing excitement about spending time with her family and exploring what the future holds for her.