Miss Taumeasina Island Resort, Laurissa Pona-Baker, says her grandparents are the biggest reason she decided to enter this year’s Miss Samoa competition, adding that she wants to help preserve Samoa’s stories and traditions for future generations.
The 25-year-old, who hails from the villages of Vaigaga, Vaipuna, Solosolo and Mulifanua, said she grew up between Australia and New Zealand but has visited Samoa regularly and has been living in the country for the past three months.
She said the pageant gives her an opportunity to speak about the values that matter most to her, particularly education, culture and empathy.
“I think the Miss Samoa pageant is a beautiful opportunity to highlight things that are important,” she said.
Laurissa said losing her grandmother made her realise the importance of carrying on family stories and cultural traditions.
“When my grandma passed away, I felt the weight of telling our legacies and telling our stories and having our stories be from us,” she said.
She said education is one of the best ways to protect Samoa’s traditions while preparing future generations.
“I want to strive to advocate for education, to educate generations, to sustain our traditions and to build our futures.”
Asked what she would say if crowned Miss Samoa, Laurissa said her first words would be to thank the people of Samoa for shaping the values passed down through her grandparents.
“Thank you for raising my grandparents into the beautiful, soft, strong, firm people that they are.”
She also said she wants people to remember her for her empathy.
“I would want to be remembered for my empathy.”
Laurissa described empathy as a strength that cannot easily be taught, but is demonstrated by listening to people’s stories and responding with kindness.
She ended her message by thanking her supporters and encouraging young Samoans to embrace their identity and culture.
“Be proud of your culture. Love your culture because it is such a strength.”
She also reminded the next generation that they are already leaders and treasures of Samoa today.
“You are the leaders of our tomorrow, but also you’re the beautiful measina of today.”
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