Where do I start? This pageant was such an incredible journey! There were so many memories. When I first met my pageant sisters for the first time at Meet and Greet, I didn’t know what to expect since this was my very first pageant; million thoughts were running through my mind. It’s kind of amazing to think about it…all of us, all came from different places, we all have different talents and unique traits yet somehow, we all met here, through MVNCI. We were strangers then but now we are sisters. Day after day, practice after practice, we have all grown and watched each other grown. These past three months we have spent together were just indescribable. All the hard works and tears, these are the memories that I will cherish forever.
Like my beautiful pageant sister, Stephenie Le, have said: “We’re not competing against one another, we’re competing WITH each other.” I am deeply honored to have been selected as Miss Congeniality for this year Miss Vietnam of Northern California Intercollegiate Pageant. Thank you so much, sisters! All I wanted to do at that crowning moment was to turn around and give everyone a BIG group hug. Words cannot describe how thankful I am. Everyone all has different aspirations and beautiful traits. To me, everyone all has their own title.
Theresa Hoang, like the mentors said, you are “Miss Different”. You are not afraid to be yourself. You have a bold and courageous personality. Congratulations on your success as “Miss Social”!
Agnes Liong, you are so nice and sweet in your own way. Thank you for the lovely notes you left me. They really mean a lot. Congratulations on your success as “Miss Entrepreneur” and “2nd Princess”!
Christie Nguyen, you are absolutely amazing. I am glad we got really close through pageant. I love spending times with you outside of pageant. You are a really fun person to be around with. Yes, I still remember what you said when we were in Socal. I am glad it came true, too! Congratulations on your success as “Miss Talent”. You definitely deserved your title!
Hally Hong, I would like to thanks you for being there for me. Thank you for all the advices that you’ve given me. You are the person that I would go to for advices. Thank you for your encouragements!
Michelle Le, you are my twin. I love the fact that we just clicked instantly. I am really really REALLY glad I’ve met you through pageant. I love spending times with you outside of pageant. You are adorable! LOVE YOU, TWIN!
Truc Le, Miss Photogenic! Congratulations! I enjoyed spending times with you so much at practices. I love being in the same group as you. You have helped me so much. Thank you! We are all in this together!
Eranthe Mitome, 1st Princess! I love love LOVE your macarons. Like I have mentioned before, I look up to you. Some day, I would like to open my own baking business, too, just like you. Congratulations on your success!
Linda Tran, I must said that you definitely deserve your title as Miss Ao Dai. The way you walked on stage, it was mesmerizing. The message that you gave before Pageant Day was truly meaningful. You are right, we are just like sorority sisters, all of us, staffs and contestants. Congratulations on your success as “Miss Ao Dai”.
Stephenie Le, you are my role model. I admire your intelligence and personality. You are incredibly smart, elegant, and talented. You are truly beautiful, inside and out. I have no doubt that you will be successful one day. Thank you for your meaningful message and encouragement. I wish you success in your future, Stephenie!
Melissa Le, you are a talented dancer. I think you looked really beautiful on pageant day. Your talent portion was stunning. The way you walk and dance are simply amazing.
Miss Vietnam of Northern California Intercollegiate 2013, Yolanda Vo! You truly deserve your title as “Hoa Khoi Lien Truong”. With your intelligence and humble personality, I am confident that this will be a great year. I am looking forward to be a part of your philanthropy project. There are so many things I can learn from you. I am really excited for this year ahead. Congratulations, Queen Yolanda!
Tien Do, “Miss Cultural”. I think you are funny, though you don’t show it often. You are really sweet and always ready to help a sister out. Thank you! I am also absolutely in love with your spring rolls. Thank you for the recipe!
Giang Nguyen, “Miss Gorgeously-Tall”. To be honestly, I envy of how tall you are. Like Tien, you are always ready to help a sister out. You are intelligence and independent. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!
Thank you everyone for selected me as your “Miss Congeniality”. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you Kimmy Huynh for helping and guiding me throughout pageant! I also would like to express my sincere appreciation to my family, pageant sisters, mentors, staffs, friends, and my sponsors for their continuous support. Thank you for these wonderful memories! Forever and always, MVNCI 2013.
Photo credit: James Nguyen