Top Tips to ROCK NAM Nationals!

Former NAM National Winner, Hoang-Kim Cung shares her tops tips to prepare for The NAM National Pageant! Hoang-Kim is a former Miss Texas Jr. Teen, National American Miss Texas and The 2012-2013 National American Miss!

1. Visualization 

Your mind is the most powerful thing you own, use it to your advantage and be positive! Visualize yourself going through each and every phase of competition, including your formal wear, personal introduction and interview. You can even envision the moments backstage before and after too! This way when you are in the moment you'll feel extra prepared. Your body can go on "auto-pilot" and you can truly enjoy the moment without worrying about competing. I learned the true power of visualization from my figure skating days and it has served me so well in life. 

2. Be Zen

It sounds crazy because your heart will most likely feel like it's going to explode out of your chest, but before you step onstage, try and be as calm as possible. I like to close my eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths. Really focus on your breathing and being present. This will not only allow you to have a more poised persona, but be in control and not let your nerves get the best of you. You want your hard work to show through, not your jitters!

3. Take Care of Yourself

You can't compete at your best if you don't feel your best. Make sure to drink plenty of water and get as much sleep as possible (don't keep scrolling through instagram at night before bed!) so you're ready to take on the next day! Eating breakfast is key to making sure you start your day off right! If you can't eat lunch or dinner when you're super hungry, have healthy snacks including fresh fruit, granola or almonds to munch on and keep you going until you can get a proper meal. 

Last, but not least, enjoy the moment! It'll only come once!

Hoang-Kim Cung  2012-2013 National American Miss 

Where She Is Now

Hoang-Kim is loving her job as a reporter and fill-in anchor at NBC Nebraska. She has covered big topics in the area including the midterm election and Grand Island school-bond issue along with breaking news including the twin tornadoes touching down in Pilger. You can catch Hoang-Kim anchoring the morning, midday and 5 pm shows occasionally as a fill-in anchor. 

Outside the newsroom, Hoang-Kim expresses her creativity through her fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog, www.ColorandChic.com 

Hoang-Kim continues to extensively work with her own 501(c)(3), which gives South Vietnamese Veterans living in extreme poverty in Communist Vietnam micro investments to start a new and improved life. This year, she is working to expand her nonprofit and donate money to Vietnam Vets in the U.S. 

Hoang-Kim inside the news room! 

Walking that national stage! 

CLICK HERE to see Hoang-Kim's video on "How to Prepare for NAM Nationals"