It has been quite the journey for current Miss Samoa Haylani Pearl Kuruppu, as she nears the end of her reign while being optimistic about representing Samoa again but in sports.

When she first won the Miss Samoa title last year, she said that it was difficult but manageable, and thanks to her support network she has made it thus far. She said her journey has had its highs and lows but it’s the way you handle it that counts.

“It has been so challenging and so rewarding at the same time. You learn more about yourself and about the people, especially about your own people,” said Ms. Kuruppu.

When asked what one of the takeaways was from her journey as Miss Samoa, she laughed and said that for one, she now has to sit up straight everywhere she goes.

“It’s definitely taught me the characteristics of how to be a ‘queen’ and also to switch on and switch off and it has given me great attributes and characteristics that I can take and apply later in life,” she said. “I am very passionate about the youth and I was able to write a book which is something I can leave behind like a legacy. 

"As I go back to Australia, I have left something that I fully put my heart into and I thank God for that opportunity.”

Her time as Miss Samoa also opened doors for her, in terms of job opportunities and acquiring new skills as she counts down to her exit.

“No Miss Samoa is perfect, but I think the characteristics you need in order to be a Miss Samoa is to be teachable, have love and have a passion for service,” she said. “Anyone can have a crown and sash but it comes down to your heart and your service to your people. 

"If you have a message, be confident in it and it comes down to your love for your nation and service. The trials, experiences and the highlights, I couldn’t have done it without God. I am going to miss the experience but I am also ready for the next chapter of my life.” 

Looking at the current 10 contestants, who aspire to step into her shoes at the crowning night on Saturday, she said she is excited for them and blessed to know them. 

“This group of girls, they are very energetic and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls," said Ms. Kuruppu. "They are so positive and we have this sisterhood and it’s great because not only are you here to compete.

"You’re here to take on these friendships and take it on to that next journey with you. Winning or not winning the crown, you still get to keep the sisterhood.”

She added that she was honoured and grateful to everyone who stood by her in her journey as the 2022–2023 Miss Samoa and is thankful to all the people who made it such a memorable journey for her.

“You don’t need a crown and sash to serve and one thing people need to understand is that you don’t need to put makeup on or curl your hair to serve people.”

She added that it should come from your heart and that a Tamaitai Samoa should be willing to do it for her people.

After she hands over the crown, she will focus on her sporting career, as she wants to win a medal at the upcoming Pacific Games as part of Samoa's national basketball squad to the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands in November this year.