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Three days after the Miss World 2026 final in Vietnam’s central Khanh Hoa Province, the 24-year-old Dominican Republic teacher traveled to Ho Chi Minh City with the first and second runners-up.

During the visit, she reflected on winning the 73rd Miss World pageant, her relationship with her students and her experience in Vietnam.

– How do you feel three days after being crowned Miss World?

– Oh my God. At that moment, I looked up at the sky and said, ‘Thank you, God, for allowing me to be here and giving me the opportunity to represent my beautiful country, the Dominican Republic.’

When I heard ‘Dominican Republic,’ I thought, ‘Oh my God, no way!’ You can see me saying ‘No!’ in the video. I was so happy, grateful and blessed. Thank you, Jesus, and thank you to Miss World for believing in me.

This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Having the honor of carrying this title and wearing a crown with purpose is something I simply cannot put into words

– What does the crown mean to you?

– It means the world to me, literally. People can see the physical crown, but its true meaning lies in the purpose behind it. To me, true beauty is about having a purpose. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity this crown and sash give me to make a difference.

I want to put my title to good use throughout my reign and make every child involved in my Beauty With a Purpose work proud, along with all the children I hope to reach around the world.

– How will you balance teaching with your responsibilities as Miss World?

– Once the school year began in late August, I called my students regularly throughout my time in Vietnam and kept up with everything they were doing.

I may not be physically present in the Dominican Republic, but my heart is always with them. I make sure the right people are there to support them and that everything is in place so they have what they need. They can also call me whenever they need me.

Teaching has taught me patience, love and so much more. My students are everything to me; they mean the world to me. I am here because of them. They are the driving force in my life.

New beauty queen Joheirry Mola talked about her love for students and her job as a teacher

– When you arrived in Vietnam, how did you feel about your chances of winning?

– To be honest, when I arrived in Vietnam, I told myself I would live every moment to the fullest because this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wanted to make my country proud, and I think we did that, right? [Laughs.]

Each day of the competition, I wanted to do my best and embrace the experience because every morning brought a new challenge. That really is the word for it: challenge. Above all, I wanted to make my country proud.

My favorite memory? It is hard to choose. I have so many wonderful memories, especially of rehearsing with the other contestants. We spent hours practicing and getting to know one another. It was amazing.

– What did you enjoy most about Vietnam?

– The Vietnamese people are amazing! You made me feel at home every day. You always welcomed us with big smiles and open arms. I love Vietnam. It holds a special place in my heart.

People back home in the Dominican Republic have come to love Vietnam too. I went live on Instagram every day and told them about everything that was happening here. You all made me feel so special.

My favorite food? I would say pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). It is really, really good. You have to try it!

I cannot choose a favorite place, I am sorry. Everywhere I visited in Vietnam was wonderful, and the people were so kind. The entire country is amazing. Everyone should come and visit Vietnam.

– How did you feel wearing an ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress) at different events?

– I felt beautiful. I took lots of pictures, and I am taking an aodai home with me. My students want to try one on too.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez wears an ao dai during the Miss World opening ceremony at Ha Long Bay in August. Video courtesy of the organizers