February 2012
1 post
VOTE FOR ME FOR PEOPLE'S CHOICE!
Hello everyone! I’m sorry I haven’t been able to blog about my recent appearances. Things have been more on the chaotic side lately, but I will update as soon as I can.
Right now, the Miss Collegiate America pageant I’ll be competing in March 6-10 is holding their People’s Choice contest on Facebook. If you have a facebook, please VOTE for me! It’s simple and easy...
January 2012
1 post
6 tags
Vietnamese American Community Toys for Tots |...
I have been an avid volunteer with the Vietnamese American Community for as long as I can remember. My parents’ involvement sparked my interest and with their encouragement, I began volunteering my time. I can proudly say I have been at their Toys for Tots event since 2007 and I love every minute of it!
Of course, this year was extra special since I was able to hand out the toys with...
December 2011
1 post
7 tags
Oasis Texas' Toys for Tots & Holiday on Ice |...
The spirit of giving back and the sounds of children on ice skates were buzzing at the Oasis Texas seasonal outdoor ice rink Tuesday evening.
I was honored to be invited as a special guest to help with the Toys for Tots toy drive in addition to showing of a few of my skills as a figure skater on the outdoor ice rink. Not only did I get to check “Skate on an outdoor ice rink” off my...
November 2011
3 posts
WatchHappy Thanksgiving Everybody!
This Thanksgiving I’m grateful for all of the chances I have been given throughout my life here in America. I’m grateful for my family, my loved ones, and of course, the chance to represent such a wonderful pageant system.
Austin Veterans Day Parade | November 11, 2011
Humvees, corvettes, Junior ROTC cadets, antique airplanes, and most importantly of all, soldiers and veterans filled Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge early Friday morning on November 11, 2011. While most Americans think of 11/11/11 as the best day to make a wish, I still cling to what it has stood for since it’s beginning in 1919 when President Wilson said, “To us in America, the...
JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes | October 30, 2011
On a crisp Sunday morning, I sported my Under Armour gear and said, “Boo” to Juvenile Diabetes with my two best friends and fellow Longhorn pageant girl, Lora Chowdury.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the largest charitable funder of and advocate for Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes can occur at any age, but most people are diagnosed from infancy into their early 30s....
October 2011
2 posts
8 tags
The Plano Balloon Festival | Saturday September...
I’ve been a Plano City resident for seven years and I can’t remember a year where I haven’t attended the famous Plano Balloon Festival in some way, shape, or form. Since 2005, I’ve been honored to emcee the Fox 4 Community Stage at the festival and even though I’m a full-time student at the University of Texas at Austin, this year was no exception.
On Friday...
September 2011
2 posts
15 tags
Volunteering with the Austin Disaster Relief...
It was only a short week ago thousands of people were left homeless with literally nothing because of the Central Texas wildfires. I remember the drive home from Houston on TX 71, where I had to take a detour onto 290 because of the fire. The next day, headlines about the fire were everywhere. I knew I had to help, but I also had to get through my hectic week of school first. Luckily, my...
Miss Texas USA 2012 Pageant | September 4, 2011
Decadent and glamorous gowns, hair as high as the sky, and beautiful girls filled the room Sunday afternoon at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston as the Miss Texas USA 2012 Pageant was in full swing. The trip down to Houston was a family affair. My family drove down from Dallas and I drove south from Austin. In addition to attending the pageant to watch my friends vie for one of the...
August 2011
2 posts
14 tags
Meeting President Powers of the University of...
I have passed by the Main Building of the University of Texas an innumerable amount of times on my way to class, to the library, to my car, or whenever I’m going anywhere across campus. I always knew that the President’s Office was in the building, but I never really thought that I would one day be in the office, having a personal conversation with him.
Right after taking the title...
17 tags
NAM Texas Teen Pageant | August 1, 2011
When I was only 14 years old, I entered my first pageant on a whim, without any real preparation. It was the Miss Texas Jr. Teen Pageant for the National American Miss system. It was at this pageant where I met my first real pageant friend, Ashlee Davie. I walked away that weekend as the 3rd Runner Up out of over 150 girls. But that wasn’t all I took with me, I had gained confidence,...
July 2011
5 posts
Miss Fort Worth USA Pageant | July 30, 2011
As a pageant girl, it seems natural that one would love to attend pageants! This is definitely true for my Mom and I. Going to pageants isn’t just fun, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and we all know I can’t resist looking at beautiful gowns! I love seeing other girls onstage, shining with all their beauty and confidence, and I think I get more nervous for the girls competing than...
Hunger Busters | July 26, 2011
On this early Tuesday morning, I woke up nice and early to head to Dallas and volunteer my time with Hunger Busters. I first heard about Hunger Busters through my boyfriend’s friend who volunteers his time there daily. Jonathan and I both decided it would be great to visit his friend and give back to the community at the same time! Once we got the A-Okay from Ben Galichia, we were set to...
11 tags
Queen For A Day at the Cancer Support Community of...
I volunteered with Queen For A Day the first time in 2008 and I loved every minute of it. I knew I had to come back, but things kept getting in the way. Therefore, when I heard about the next QFAD Party on July 21, 2011 at the Cancer Support Community in Dallas, I knew I had to be there! There couldn’t have been a better place to make my first appearance as the new Miss Texas Collegiate...
16 tags
I am your new Miss Texas Collegiate!!!
As you all probably know, higher education is extremely important to me. I am very proud to be a student at the University of Texas. Therefore, when Mrs. Prochnow approached me about competing in the Miss Texas Collegiate Pageant, I knew in my heart this was just for me. I thought that it was such a wonderful idea to represent not only my state, but my school as well!
This past weekend, I...
15 tags
For the final time, I am your reigning America's...
It feels unreal that one short year ago, I was writing my first blog entry as the new America’s U.S. Miss and now I am writing my final one. This past year has been remarkable and full of memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. My weekend in St. Louis, Missouri with the contestants and my sister queens flew by and before I was even aware of what had happened, there I was, standing on...
June 2011
1 post
13 tags
DFW International Dinner | June 14, 2011
The DFW International Community Alliance is the portal to international North Texas, a region in which 44% of the residents are new Americans of first or second generations. They are a network of over 1,600 internationally-focused organizations in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. Their mission is to build mutual understanding and respect by linking diverse international cultural communities. As...
May 2011
3 posts
9 tags
Austin Public Library's Free Comic Book Day | May...
It’s no secret that I LOVE reading. If you asked me to name a few of my favorite books the list would probably go on and on and on. (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho will top that list). Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise anyone that I will help spread the word about reading and encouraging reading in any way possible. I’ve been looking for a way to help out the Austin Public Library...
metroPCS Asian Festival at the Mainstreet Garden...
The metroPCS Asian Festival is a free event that showcases authentic Asian cuisine, cultural entertainment and activities for children in a daylong festival celebrating the National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event attracts thousands of attendees each year, making it the largest celebration of Asian cultures in North Texas. As a third-generation Vietnamese-American and...
Easter on Ice at Chaparral Ice in Austin, Texas |...
There aren’t very many events that include two of my favorite things: figure skating and pageants. Therefore, I was extremely excited when I got the chance to make a special appearance at the I-35 location of Chaparral Ice for their Easter on Ice event. This event included an Easter Egg Hunt, live bunny exhibition, and of course, an Easter Bunny skating on the ice! There was even a...
April 2011
4 posts
American Hero Day at Camp Mabry in Austin | April...
I have always been a strong supporter of our troops and all those dedicated to protecting our great country. I believe that those who make the commitment and sacrifice to serve have not only a brave and courageous heart, but also a loving and kind soul.
Camp Mabry is located approximately 3 miles from UT and when I found out about their American Hero Day, a day where the Austin community can...
2 Trung Sisters Commemoration Ceremony | April 3,...
Vietnam before 1975 was a country of rich culture, heritage, and customs. The story of the two Trưng Sisters who lived during the First Century and successfully rebelled against Chinese Han-Dynasty rule for 3 years is a story told to many children, especially young girls to showcase the true strength and courage Vietnamese women possess. The two Trưng Ladies are regarded as national heroines of...
14 tags
America's U.S. Miss Reigning Queens on the COVER...
On my 20th Birthday Supermodels Unlimited Magazine released the national cover featuring the reigning America’s U.S. Miss queens. I was beyond excited during my dinner date when I saw the cover!
This issue of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine will be available at Barnes & Nobles nationwide starting April 15th!
16 tags
BuzzFree PROMises Dress & Tuxedo Giveaway | March...
For my whole life, I have abstained from alcohol and illicit drugs. When I was approached by Kim-Cuong Than of Mosaic Family Services to be the Community Champion Chair for the BuzzFree PROMises Dress & Tuxedo Giveaway, I knew it was a match made in heaven.
The goal of the event is to encourage, promote, and reward safe and healthy choices by deserving area high school juniors and seniors....
March 2011
3 posts
19 tags
National Skating Month | February 12, 2011
Figure Skating is something that I will always hold near and dear to my heart. When I was only 5 years old, my family and I were shopping at the Dallas Galleria during Christmas time. There was a skating show going on and I told my Mom, “I want to do that, Mommy,” as I pointed down at the beautiful skaters. At the age of 8, I got my first taste of figure skating and from that first...
17 tags
Saturday Ocean Performs at Lunar New Year Festival...
Pageants and modeling have helped boost my self-confidence in more ways than I ever imagined. Two years ago, I was contemplating how I could give other teens this same experience and it wasn’t long until I came up with a solution: The Saturday Ocean Entertainment Group. I founded Saturday Ocean to be able to give other teens a modeling experience to build more self-esteem, make new friends,...
21 tags
Crandall Cares 4 Cancer | January 14, 2011
I have been friends with the Woody Family since I was in fourth grade. I have vivid memories of studying with their oldest son, Josh, who was my age and doing class projects with him. Our families have been close ever since and it was a sad day when Josh and I both left W.B. Travis Academy on the last day of 7th grade, just one year short of completing their entire 5 year curriculum. Josh moved to...
February 2011
1 post
30 tags
Supermodels Unlimited Magazine's Most Beautiful...
I must say, when Marc Passera of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine called to tell me that my photos were going to be published in the Most Beautiful Issue of the magazine I was shocked. I was beyond excited! On top of that, there was going to be a gala event in Miami Beach, Florida to celebrate this issue!
On Thursday, January 27, I flew from Austin, Texas to Miami Beach, Florida to get ready for...
January 2011
2 posts
13 tags
Christmas at Saigon Mall | December 24th & 25th,...
By now, all of you should know that Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. So when Tracy, the Marketing Director of Saigon Mall invited me to make an appearance during her vivacious Christmas Celebrations, my answer was definitely a yes! My job was to be the emcee for the event, introducing different singers and guests of honor. In addition, she also invited me to sing a few songs...
20 tags
Annual Plano, TX Christmas Parade | December 11,...
Every year, I look forward to receiving my invitation to participate in the Plano Christmas Parade in my Inbox and this year was no exception. I was beyond ecstatic to don my Wolford Merino wool tights, sweater dress, and bright red peacoat and ride in the parade this holiday season.
Mr. Ken Gleason, one of the main coordinators of the parade is an amazing individual, taking care of each...
December 2010
2 posts
19 tags
Lantern Light | December 4, 2010
I love winter and I LOVE the Holiday Season. After having such a great time at American Scout Day over at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, I decided it was time to go back to help ring in the Christmas spirit at their Lantern Light event. At this special event, the Heritage Farmstead Museum offers tours of the beautifully decorated Historic Victorian Home, entertainment by E-Flat Porch Band, live...
18 tags
American Scout Day | November 13, 2010
I have driven by the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano multiple times, but I’ve never actually had the opportunity to visit. When I was invited to make an appearance on their American Scout Day, I jumped on the bandwagon!
American Scout Day is an event where the Boys & Girl Scout Troops in the DFW Metroplex are invited to come and experience pioneer life on the Black land Prairie....
November 2010
4 posts
9 tags
Dallas Veterans Day Parade 2010 | November 11,...
I grew up in America always knowing that Freedom isn’t free. Freedom comes at a cost. Those who are willing to sacrifice everything they have for their country and serve in the military have my utmost respect, so unsurprisingly, I felt honored to participate in the Veterans Day Parade held annually in Downtown Dallas. The Dallas Veterans Day Commemoration salutes those who are serving, those...
A Thousand Tears Falling | November 7, 2010
Fresh off the airplane with recycled air and dry skin, I hopped into my brother’s car and got ready for my next appearance: Yung Krall’s Book Signing & Discussion at the Vietnamese American Community Center of Greater Dallas. Mrs. Krall is a former American spy, born in Vietnam. While her family was split: her father was a communist whereas her mother believed in preserving South...
9 tags
It's Up To You - New York, New York | November...
This past weekend, I flew to the Big Apple to shoot a cover with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. I was beyond excited, even though I have already paid a trip to New York before. I woke up at 3 AM Thursday morning to get ready and leave for my flight and while it was extremely early in the morning, I couldn’t wait to see my sister queens again! When my plane touched down in La Guardia...
Houston VAC Fundraising Entertainment Event |...
Instead of dressing up as the female version of Superman or a Helen of Troy, on Halloween night, I rocked out in my America’s U.S. Miss gear in Houston, Texas to help raise money for the Vietnamese American Community of Houston. They held a Fundraising Entertainment Event with different singers who were either local or from around the country.
The event took place at Ocean Palace, which is...
October 2010
2 posts
12 tags
Honoring Ngo Định Diệm, South Vietnam's President...
Yesterday, I had the honor of being invited to Honor South Vietnam’s President, Ngo Dinh Diem who fought for freedom and democracy in South Vietnam for as long as possible before the fall of Saigon. Mr. Le Dinh Luan called my Dad a few months back and asked if I would be willing to make a speech about the outstanding characteristics of President Diem. And of course, I said yes!
Writing my...
20 tags
Plano International Festival | October 2, 2010
Plano was recently voted the safest city according to Forbes Magazine, but Plano is also known for its diversity. The Plano International Festival is held annually in October at Haggard Park and is always a great success. The Parade of Nations brings color and vibrance to a beautiful afternoon along with a great display of culture.
This year, (my 5th year with the International Festival!) I...
September 2010
5 posts
15 tags
Carolyn Miller / Springboard Models Photoshoot in...
Wow! This past week has been so chaotic! Handling back to back weekend appearances while trying to stay on top of school is such a hard task, but I’m proud to say I made it through all of my exams and projects!
As most of you already know, I flew to Lincoln, Nebraska to have my official photoshoot with Carolyn Miller of Blinq Studios and Springboard Models this past weekend. The flight to...
1 tag
WatchFrancesca, my sister queen and I filmed a VLOG while waiting to board our flights back home. Check it out! :)
Stay tuned for a detailed blog post about my trip to Lincoln, Nebraska along with a few goodies!
5 tags
Plano Balloon Festival | September 18, 2010
Hello Everyone! I hope this blog post finds everyone well. I must say, I am very glad to be back home in Texas where I belong. Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to volunteer once again with the Plano Balloon Festival, and I must say, it was incredible! I have volunteered with the Plano Balloon Festival for over 5 years now and I love coming back year after year.
Amanda Jenkins, the Community...
Tet Trung Thu, Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival |...
Last Friday, the Vietnamese American Community hosted the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival for the first time in 4 years. Of course, no Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without children and paper lanterns. Tet Trung Thu is a holiday for parents to give their children time off and praise them for all their hard work around the house, doing well in school, and being good children.
This year, my...
13 tags
Catching Up & Upcoming Events | September 9, 2010
Hi Everyone!
I know it’s been a while since I updated, but I’ve been busy with many different activities. Also, I am a full-time college student so I’ve got my homework to do just like everyone else my age.
As most of you know, I work as a figure skating instructor at Allen Community Ice Rink and on August 31st we were graced with 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist, Evan...
August 2010
5 posts
20 tags
DFW International Dinner with 23 Mayors | August...
WOW! I don’t think there are enough words that could be combined from the 26 letters of the English alphabet (or any alphabet for that matter) that could possibly describe the greatness of the DFW International Meeting & Dinner I attended with my Father and older sister on Thursday night, 8/26/10. Please stay tuned until the end of this blog post to read a very important message I have...
Houston VAC Entertainment Show | August 14, 2010
This has been such a busy weekend! I have barely had time to even truly exhale! I can’t believe that Fall Semester stars up next Monday. I don’t really want school to start… I feel like I haven’t had my Summer Vacation yet!
Originally, I had plans to attend a Birthday/Going Away BBQ on Saturday, but got called by the Houston Vietnamese American Community to perform in an...
21 tags
Children's Medical Center Dallas Visit & Misc....
Hello Everyone! I hope everyone has had a good week thus far. I’ve been so busy with appearances and preparing for my Fall Semester lately! Not to mention a lot of my friends are getting ready to move into their dorms so I have been taking the time to visit them before they leave in addition to helping my Family out at home. There’s always so much to do!
This past Monday, August 9,...
SBTN & Radio Saigon Dallas | August 7, 2010
This morning I headed to the Saigon Broadcasting Television Network andRadio Saigon Dallas for my TV and Radio interviews. I was excited because while I have worked with SBTN in the past, I haven’t been to this studio location before so it’s always nice to go to new places! Xuan Tho interviewed me and we had a great time talking about the America’s U.S. Miss National...
Miss Fort Worth USA Pageant | July 31, 2010
Last night, my Mom and I took a miniature road trip to Arlington for the Miss Fort Worth USA Pageant. It was great to see some of my pageant friends again such as Sydney, Felicia, and Jade. I got my photo taken on the Red Carpet as well as an interview. In the end, Sydney, my Mom and I had all the winners picked out from the beginning. It’s always fun and exciting when you pick correctly. I...
July 2010
7 posts
6 tags
Super Moms in Supermodels Unlimited Magazine |...
Back in May, I had the opportunity to travel to Sedona, Arizona to shoot with Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. You can read about my post here.
It was unexpected, but my Mom and I are in the latest issue of Supermodels Unlimited under the SuperMoms spread!!! I was beyond amped when the UPS Delivery Man dropped the issues on my front door this morning.
Here is a scan of the photo. My Mom and I...