Miss Personality to champion drug, HIV awareness

From entering the Nasinu Festival pageant with no expectations to winning this year’s Miss Personality title, Talei Tikonavesi has found a deeper purpose in using her platform to raise awareness about drug abuse and HIV among young people.

The first-year Fiji National University media and communications student said she never expected to win an award, choosing instead to encourage her fellow contestants throughout the competition.

“I did not anticipate winning anything today, actually,” Ms Tikonavesi said.

“Over the past few days, I tried my very best to be there for the other girls and hype them up whenever they felt down.”

Ms Tikonavesi hails from Nakawaqa Village in Mali, Macuata, and has maternal links to Dawara, Cakaudrove, on Vanua Levu.

She believes drug abuse and HIV are issues that need to be discussed openly so communities can better understand the challenges and work towards solutions.

She said pageants involved more than glitz and glamour, requiring contestants to overcome their nerves and find the courage to speak in public.

“People think pageants are all about glitz and glamour, but it takes courage to stand on stage, face the public and speak,” she said.

Although living away from home, she credited her family’s prayers and encouragement for helping her through the competition, despite their inability to attend in person.

Their support also inspired her to encourage fellow contestants, although she admitted that motivating others while maintaining her own confidence was challenging.

She entered the pageant after a friend nominated her and decided to embrace the opportunity despite having little experience in pageantry.

“We are only young once, and when opportunity knocks at your door, take it and do not let it slide,” she said.

Although the festival has ended, Ms Tikonavesi said her advocacy would continue.

“The Nasinu Festival is done, but my advocacy will go on,” she said. “I will continue advocating on drugs and HIV because it does not end here.”

She dedicated her achievement to God, her family, relatives and supporters, including her siblings. She hopes to inspire her younger sisters by setting a positive example.

“To my younger sisters, I want to set an example and show that there are always more steps ahead to take. Never stop striving for more,” she said.