Tokyo will be Jian Joyner’s next stop

Jian Joyner wipes her tears as she makes her final walk as Miss Marianas in last Saturday’s coronation night of the 2016 Miss Marianas Teen and Miss Marianas at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. (Jon Perez)

Jian Joyner’s reign as Miss Marianas ended Saturday night but she would continue with her own journey with her next step getting a college degree. The former CNMI beauty queen represented the Commonwealth in the 55th Miss International in Tokyo, Japan last year.

She will be returning to Tokyo this fall where she will be taking up a degree in psychology at Temple University’s Japan campus in Minami-Azabu district in Minato City. It is Temple’s second international campus after Rome.

“Temple is an American university based in Japan and I’m moving there this fall to study psychology,” said Joyner after transferring the Miss Marianas crown to Peachy Quitugua last Saturday held at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

She said that she would always cherish all the things she experienced being the CNMI’s ambassador of goodwill. “It was so amazing, I’m glad that I had the opportunity to go through all of it and Stellar Marianas was there to help and to provide for me.”

“It challenged me to get out of my comfort zones. There may be sometimes that I made some mistakes but overall I became more confident. I know now that through hard work and strong determination will get me far,” added Joyner.

Palanga Taimanao, a 16-year-old incoming senior at the Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior Senior High School in Rota, was also crowned last Saturday as the 2016 Miss Marianas Teen.

Joyner said Quitugua and Taimanao should also savor each moment of their one-year reign. “It is going to go by so quickly. But they can use whatever they learn from Stellar Marianas throughout the rest of their lives.”

“I’m so excited for the two new Queens. They are going to have so much fun in representing the CNMI in various activities and functions. I’ve been to a lot of places representing our beautiful islands,” added Joyner.

“Just have fun with it and to always remember to be themselves because sometimes they will get pressure with the title and with everyone watching your every move. My advice, just be yourself. It takes courage and confidence to be a beauty queen.”

In her farewell walk, she also thanked her family—parents John and Yasuko Joyner and younger brother Jehn—for all the love and support they gave her the entire year of her reign. “Daddy, I wouldn’t have such good posture if you hadn’t continuously reminded me to sit up straight.”

“Mama, I wouldn’t be so poised if you hadn’t taught me our Japanese culture. Jehn, thank you for not only being my brother but my best friend too. I love you all.”