Nineteen-year-old Ailava Samuels has expressed that her journey to clinching three significant titles, including the coveted crown at this year’s Miss Nasinu Festival, was marked by late nights, physical strain, emotional challenges, and unwavering family support. The young beauty queen triumphed in awards for Best Traditional Attire, Best Talent, and Best Research Topic, reflecting her hard work and dedication.
“The experience was both tiring and rewarding,” she remarked, emphasizing the sacrifices made along the way. Samuels candidly shared that the path was not without difficulty, involving many late-night rehearsals and even disagreements with her mother. However, her determination proved vital. “If you really want it, you have to push yourself to the limit,” she stated, reinforcing the message that hard work pays off.
Samuels’s advocacy against cyberbullying stems from her personal experiences as a victim. She recounted facing online harassment due to her appearance, where hurtful comments from others led her to reflect on the broader issue of cyberbullying as a growing problem in Fiji. “People use social media to tear each other down instead of lifting each other up,” she said. Through her platform, she aims to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and encourage others that words can have a significant impact.
Upon being named Miss Nasinu, Samuels felt momentarily stunned. Now preparing for the Miss Fiji Pageant, she intends to expand her advocacy, targeting youth across the Pacific region. Her encouraging message to victims of cyberbullying is to rise above negativity: “Believe in yourself, believe in your own voice.”
Samuels’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of advocacy, echoing similar sentiments from other contestants in the festival, like Salaseini Seruvatu, who is also leveraging her platform to address significant societal issues such as drug abuse and cyberbullying. As these young leaders strive to spark change, they highlight the importance of community and a supportive environment in their pursuits.