Miss Tobago
Full Name: Briana Murray
Age: 20
Hometown: Boston, MA
School: Temple University
Island Representing: Tobago
What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
“You truly define the word strength. Your independence and ambition is unparalleled which only adds to your allure.”
Please list your biggest accomplishments: Contributing to Next Step, helping teen cancer patients Making Dean’s List at Newbury College Accepted to Temple University.
Name an unexpected moment that happened in your life. (Please explain):
An unexpected moment in my life would be being diagnosed with cancer July 23, 2010. I was only 16 years old, about to enter into my senior year with no cares in the world. My biggest concern was what my prom dress was going to look like. Then it was a slap in the face to hear my doctor utter those words, “You have cancer.” My life changed forever. There is no way to prepare for a situation like that.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received was “No pain lasts forever.” Whether it’s physical or emotional you can always push through and persevere through anything.
What makes you special and unique?
I think what makes me special is my overwhelming sense of resilience. I can fall 9 times and still have the strength and ability to get up the 10th time.
What is your platform (Organization/Cause you’re passionate about)?
I am passionate about promoting awareness for early detective and preventive care to diminish the incidence of cancer in the Caribbean. In Trinidad and Tobago alone they have alarming mortality rates due to cancer. These large number of deaths are shocking mainly due to the fact that they are largely preventive with early detection. I also believe that everyone should be given a fair chance at life .Meaning, there needs to be access to medical services especially in places for example like the rural areas of Tobago.
What can’t you live without?
God. I wouldn’t have a life to live without God. At my darkest moments, he was there to depend on and see me through. I also can’t live without my mom’s saltfish and bake!
If you had one wish what would it be?
If I had one wish it would be for more wishes. The world today is plagued by famine, disease, and war. It would take more than one wish for me to address all the pressing issues of the world. Plus, I could use some money for my student loans!