No place like home

The Kingdom of Tonga… my home. This small archipelago, nestled in the South Pacific Ocean just south of Samoa and about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, holds a special place in my heart. Even now, at 29, memories of my childhood in Tonga remain vivid, filled with the sights, sounds, and traditions that shaped who I am today.

Tonga is known for many things: our deep love of rugby, our rich culture, and our remarkable history. Our beloved Queen Salote Tupou III made headlines when she famously rode in the rain during the late Majesty’s coronation in 1953, capturing the hearts of many. More recently, the world took notice of Pita Taufatofua, our 2016 Olympic flag bearer, who proudly represented us with his oiled-up physique and six-pack abs.

Though I was born in Sacramento, California, my earliest memories are of long, seven-hour drives from Manhattan Beach to Sacramento in my uncle Damon’s classic Toyota Previa. But for the past 22 years, I’ve called the UK my second home. Living here has made me acutely aware of the cultural differences between my Tongan roots and British life. Here in the UK, there’s a sense of openness and freedom to express oneself that contrasts with the values I was raised with. Back home, I was taught to be humble, to be grateful for both the small and big things in life, and to treat others with respect and love. These are words of prayers my grandmother instilled in all of us… her 90+ grandchildren and while most of us strive to live by them, some have taken a more unconventional path.

Whenever an opportunity arises to represent Tonga, I’m usually the first one called upon. Whether it’s performing a traditional solo dance or attending events across the UK and Europe for openings, charities, or festivals. I do it willingly, out of immense pride for where I come from. But as much as I enjoy these moments, nothing compares to the pride I feel watching my relatives excel in rugby, from local home games to matches in grand stadiums like Twickenham and Wembley. For media reasons, I can’t name them, but I am incredibly proud of every single one of them who is making a name for themselves and for our small, beloved island.