UCSD junior Van Pham, 22, won the title of Miss San Diego on Jan. 22, earning her a $1,000 scholarship and the chance to compete for the title of Miss California 2012 this summer. “I was stunned when my name was announced,” she said. “All the contestants who competed are very deserving girls. Each of us gives back to our community and works extremely hard to bring attention to our platforms, in addition to school and jobs.” Although Pham has competed in local pageants before, she said the Miss San Diego experience was unlike any other. “I had a blast. The Miss San Diego Committee worked very hard to put together such an amazing show and were all very supportive,” she said. “I definitely walked away from the Miss San Diego pageant experience having met some amazing girls who I am happy to be able to call my new friends.” In addition to building lasting friendships, Pham also took home a worthwhile scholarship to help pay for tuition and books. “Since I am financially supporting myself through college, I am extremely grateful that organizations such as this one exist,” she said. “The scholarship I won will go a long way in decreasing my financial burden from school.” Pham, an economics major, music minor and multitalented musician, showcased the best of her musical ability with a piano performance that floored judges during the talent portion, which accounted for 35 percent of the overall score. “Growing up, my parents showed me the importance of music and how it can be a positive force,” she said. “After high school, I worked at a children’s music studio helping to teach piano and guitar lessons. It is such as rewarding experience to be able to share my passion for music with others — not only do I get to work with kids, but I was surrounded by something I love every day.” Pham, who grew up in Marin County, put her passion for helping children to good use by creating a daycare center at a homeless shelter in her hometown called “Little Fingers, Helping Hands” — a childcare program she hopes to duplicate at a San Diego-based shelter this summer. “The program was a great success and allowed parents to have time away from their kids in order to look for jobs and proper housing,” she said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to spread awareness about my platform — a cause I care a lot about.” In preparation for the upcoming Miss California pageant, Pham is working on a new piano piece, improving her interview skills, staying up-to-date with current events and working to advance her platform. “I am excited to have this opportunity of a lifetime to attend the state competition in Fresno with all the other inspiring titleholders,” she said. “I have grown so much as a person through my participation in the Miss America organization. I walk away from this pageant with more confidence and better interviewing skills. Winning Miss San Diego 2012 was a great reminder that perseverance, hard work and dedication really does pay off.”