Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait to long, you miss them. And that’s what I didn’t want. Today marks one week since arriving back into my country from representing New Zealand over in the Philippines for 1 month. Despite the battles I was faced with 3 weeks prior to departing I put that aside and was on my way to set flight on this journey I had once upon a time, dreamed of when I was a little kid. As I endured my journey with so much determination, excitement and faith. I never realised how much this new journey would teach me, build me, mould me and open my eyes to realise there’s so much more in me to offer.
Representing my country in a way I had never ever imagined before and a way that was so much bigger than myself. With New Zealand being known for its range of biodiversity, it’s accepting diverse culture and spectacular landscapes I was so proud to have been able to represent that and who I AM. It wasn’t the easiest but it was a task I was willing to do my best at. And I did!
I come from a strong, bold loving family mostly full of women and they’ve always taught me to love, respect & and accept what’s around you, know who YOU ARE and be yourself no matter what. And that’s what I carried with me the whole way. I created friendships that will last a life time! I gained more then I ever expected, met the most humble, caring, hospitable Filipino people and received amazing support from my country. This gave me a platform to express my knowledge, my advocacy, my strengths, my love for my country and fulfil one of my many dreams. But also learn more of what I was quite oblivious to that’s happening worldwide.
I cannot express my love and gratitude for each and every person that made this journey possible. Thank you to all my sponsors Nachapat, Alisha, Bharani, Arlea, Emille, Francis, Andrew, Nicole, Renuka, Bari, Douglas, Petra, Margaux, Michelle & directors Namphon Mila that supported me. Jzayla and Abby thank you for your leader ship, support, training and guidance. I would not be where I am without you ALL. Thank you mum Ngamoni and poppa Grant for flying over to physically be there and support me. Thank you James and those who allowed us into your humble home and cooked us delicious meals. Thank you my darling Giovanni for holding it down back home. Missed you. Thank you to my amazing die hard fans that have supported me and this amazing journey. You all gave me strength each day to carry on. Thank you to my amazing team managers in the Philippines. Mitsume, Tina and Venus. You guys put a lot of time, love and support into your Water babies. To my water group and the remaining delegates. Thank you all for making this journey a memory to never forget as well as friendships to always remember. For ever remain in my heart and just remember you always have a place to stay in New Zealand if you ever travel here hehe.
Im happy to say, I have no regrets and I’m so proud of my placement and how I represented New Zealand because I know I did all I could to the best of my ability. I really want to encourage our youth to take a leap of faith, enjoy every moment you can in life and if a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade. Don’t be the one that regrets an opportunity you never took that could lead to something greater. I know sometimes, when we may be discouraged, we are tempted to believe that only the “lucky” people receive the best opportunities and that we just don’t have that lucky quality. However, anyone can encounter numerous opportunities when we put in the work to step into the right place at the right time.
Thank you Filipinas for a journey of a life time and one of the best experience of my LIFE. Mahal Kita
Tashan Kapene, Miss Earth New Zealand