WILMER JOEL
Claret Chong Gum has taken the role of Miss Marshall Islands to new heights under her two-year reign.
The Journal had a brief interview with Miss Marshall Islands during the opening of International Women’s Day in Jenrok, where she reflected on the role and how it transformed her.
“It has been two years, but I feel like it went by really quickly,” she said. “And throughout those two years, I’ve gained a lot of appreciation for my culture and my people.”
Chong Gum highlighted service as a key attribute to have as Miss Aelon Kein. “The act of service is very important, she said. “Service, I think, is the most important thing to do, especially as a youth, a member of the younger generation. If you serve your country, if you serve your people throughout that service, I feel like you really grow a lot of appreciation and value your culture more.”
When asked about her advice for the next Miss Marshall Islands, she said to “appreciate the moments and appreciate the hardships.” She added that there will be setbacks and people who will “try to weigh you down, put you down,” but she advised putting all of that aside and focus on service.
Chong Gum said the next Miss Marshall Islands must think about the importance of her role and the example she sets for the youth and rising generation.
“My focus, my aim, my crowd that I’ve been targeting is the younger generation,” she said. “I think that if you start investing a lot of your time and a lot of your efforts for the younger generation, you’re setting a path for success for our nation and our people and our communities.”
Miss Marshall Islands stated that, while the past two years flew by quickly, it will be for her some of the best years of her life. “So, to the next Miss Marshall Islands, I wish you all the best,” she said. “I hope that you will continue to protect the integrity of this role and see the value this role has (and) see the influence that this role can have.”