A wonderful journey of service, love for Samoa

A new Miss Samoa will be crowned at Gym 1, Tuana’imato, tonight.

With that, the reign of Miss Samoa, Latafale Auva’a, will come to an end after what has been a massive year for the title holder.

From helping children on the streets, giving out books to students in Savai’i and rural Samoa to winning silver for Samoa at the Pacific Games, one can say that Ms. Auva’a has done it all.

“It’s a bittersweet moment,” she says, reflecting on when she will hand over the crown.

“I’m excited and I’m really ready to give the crown to the next girl because I feel like I’ve made the most of my journey here.”

And a journey it has been for Ms. Auva’a.

“My biggest highlight is getting to know and understand my culture a whole lot more. It’s been probably the most rewarding part of this journey.”

She will also cherish her sporting accomplishments with Samoa.

“That’s one of the highlights,” she said about winning a medal with the Touch Rugby team in Papua New Guinea.

Ms. Auva’a also spent a lot of time serving the community.

“Being able to get amongst the community with my books project.

“Being able to visit schools, I’ve shared a lot on a faith-based forum. I’ve been able to testify, share my testimony with different youth groups and a lot of different government organisations.

“That’s been really rewarding. I’ve also been able to encourage people in Samoa about a healthy way to live.”

Asked what she has learnt throughout her Miss Samoa reign, she said: “It’s a completely different lifestyle from New Zealand. It was a big culture shock when I came over.

“I’ve learnt to stay true to my values. From professional perspective networking with people is very important if you want to take action.

“Networking with organisations is important. I’ve learnt a lot about the government and it’s been very eye opening.

“That’s been a great learning curve for me cause it’s given me a passion to come back here and to want to influence young leaders and young women to stand up for leadership positions.”

And her advice to the newly crowned Miss Samoa?

“Make the role your own; she has a lot of options. I’ve been able to set up my book and schools charity. She can work with me to do another round of books. She is not going to be like me, my strengths are different to her strengths.

“I encourage the girls to never compare themselves to me. They will have their strengths, likes and wants. I say they go all out in creating their own programmes for Samoa.

“What I was told when I became Miss Samoa was I could do as much as I want or as little as I want. And that’s entirely up to the girl.

“I would encourage the girl to know it’s a service position. If you want to make an impact in this role and you want to carry on the mantle. Be proactive in your approach to everything. Make friends with a lot of people and network well. Don’t be afraid to be a voice for the topic or issue your passionate about.”

And what’s next for her?“

I know the Lord is opening up huge seasons for me overseas so after I give this crown back and the Miss Pacific Islands crown, my focus will be for Samoa and promoting Samoa on an international level at Miss Worlds.

“After Miss Worlds I will be finishing my last year of university. I also want to explore my entertainment side of singing and dancing while I’m still young and have no wrinkles.

However, I’m an open book I don’t believe a job has been created for me I think I pave my own career my own destiny is what I make of it.

“I will definitely come back to Samoa more often. Now Samoa is my home.”

In her closing remarks she would like to thank the Samoa Tourism Authority, Manaia Events, Supernatural fellowship, her uncle Kolia and the Leota family.