Melania Tora, crowned Miss Hibiscus 2024, remained true to her commitment by attending church to express her gratitude for her victory amidst a busy week of celebrations. The 24-year-old emphasized that praising and thanking God is essential to her.
Looking ahead, she is eager to celebrate her win with her extended family in Sabeto and has maternal ties to Vanuabalavu in Lau. After a church service at Fiji Connect at the USP Laucala campus, Ms. Tora spoke about her spiritual journey, stating, “Being with Jesus is so wonderful. I am not perfect, but I have my own story to tell.”
She expressed her appreciation for the support she received from her community, stating, “For the vanua to stand behind me is something I didn’t know I needed, but I did. They have been a great support, sending me messages, and I am grateful.” Ms. Tora plans to celebrate with her supporters soon and feels overwhelmed with love for everyone who supported her during the past week.
In her new role, she aims to advocate for various marginalized groups, including cancer survivors and juveniles. “Without even realizing it, I have been preparing for this platform for the last two years. I believe this position allows me to support organizations that work on the ground, and we need to see real, sustainable change,” she explained.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Tora expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the other contestants and appreciated their contributions. “It has been a privilege to know all the wonderful women and everyone involved in the team. There were overwhelming early mornings and many happy tears, but I know I have strength in the Lord and a strong support system.”
To potential contestants for next year, she encouraged them to participate regardless of their background, saying, “If you feel you can make a real difference in the community, I encourage you to take that risk. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”