Culture adds value to human life
Family welfare, social tradition, culture and religious values are important in everyone’s life and at times it is hard to adapt to modern ways of the society, says Elizabeth Fruean (affectionately known as ‘Lizze’) our Model of the Fortnight.
The Tama’ita’i believes that heritage is equally important to ‘enhance and embrace’ the life of a Samoan. She was ‘free as a bird’ in the beautiful environment of her homeland, enjoying the cool breeze and morning or evening walk but the need for higher education and better financial resources to support her family encouraged her to migrate to New Zealand four years ago to join her two older brothers.
Lizze, is keen to protect and promote her Samoan-Chinese ancestry.
Inspiring heritage
“I have left behind my homeland but not its culture and heritage. They are sacred; they inspire me to follow my dreams and keep a sturdy head on my shoulders,” she said.
Lizze misses her parents and grandparents and her younger brother but is confident that time and distance do not take away love and affection.
It was while pursuing her studies in Flight Attendant and Hospitality at the National School of Tourism that she realised her potential as a model.
“I believe that we all have a different story to tell but in the eyes of God we are all the same, so believe in who you are, where you are from and what you can do. Do not let people judge you and put you down,” Lizze said.
Quoting former US President Abraham Lincoln, she said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”
To the young generations of our day, it is not always about the way you look or what you have. It is about appreciating what you already have and working hard to support your loved ones and the less fortunate, she added.
-Venkat Raman
Pictures by Bhikhu Bhula
For more pictures of Elizabeth Fruean visit www.indiannewslink.co.nz. For photo shoot, please contact Bhikhu Bhula on (04) 3887861 or 021-0616030. Email: bqbhula@hotmail.com
You can also follow him on Facebook (Bhikhu Bhula)
