A victorious comeback

WHEN life gives you lemons, make lemonade – that is how Samantha Katie James keeps bouncing back after struggling with challenges in her life since she was young.
Having been one of the finalists in Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 did not stop this lass from Klang from participating in it again.
“When I first joined the pageant, I was just doing it to experience what it was like. Once I was able to join it again, I made sure I would do better to win,” said the 23-year-old, who recently beat 16 other hopefuls to be crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 in February.
A model and actress, Samantha participated in the pageant as she enjoys taking risks.
“At least I tried it, and I was satisfied – that is how I move forward in life,” she said.
Samantha’s second attempt at the pageant did not start well, as she injured her right foot and suffered from a dancer’s fracture in October last year.
“It was a fluke, and it hit me hard,” she recalled. “While others were walking in heels, doing challenges and doing trail runs, I had to be on crutches.”
While it took less than three months to recover, Samantha said the injury and pain did not deter her but made her reflect a lot on what she needed to improve on in the competition.
“I have joined this competition in the past and since then, I wanted to improve myself. The injury allowed me to think about myself more – what am I missing and what I need to work on – like being professional at work, proper attitude, speech, relationship with people, and the way I carry myself,” she said.
Being naturally animated, Samantha admits that it takes a lot of effort to be poised and elegant, especially in front of the crowd and the media. This attitude could be seen in her school days, where she was labelled “the clown of the class” by her peers.
“I am easy-going and fun, and I enjoy making my classmates laugh in class,” she said.
Being singled out for looking different based on her complexion, Samantha did not allow herself to be ostracised, but mingled with her classmates.
“I hang out with all the groups – Indian, Malay and Chinese – and I get along well with them,” she said, adding that her time in school was the best she had.
Going forward, Samantha is trying her best to represent Malaysia at the international stage later this year.
“I will be concentrating more on fitness and speech, public speaking skills and building relationship with people,” she said. She also lambasted critics who belittle such pageants and those who participate in them.
“People just see what they want to see. Over the years, the pageant has become a platform for young, intelligent and beautiful women to promote their purpose and causes as well as their capabilities,” she said.
She believes carrying the Miss Universe title will bring impact to the people around, and could help bring change to the world.
“I hope to bring the best out of people,” she said.
Samantha hopes to one day be able to build a home for marginalised children; those abused or abandoned.
“It is something I thought about a few years back. This place will not be another house, but a home where these children can be comfortable. I want to show them what life is all about,” she said, adding that it is best to nurture these future leaders while they are still young.
When asked for her advice to those interested in joining such pageants, she replied, “If you want to try, give it 200% and do not give up. If you think you deserve something, work for it.”