WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE MISS WORLD NINA DAVULURI IS FROM TELENGANA

The 2014 Miss America was named on Sept. 15, with Miss New York Nina Davuluri taking home the crown. Nina obviously proved that she was so much more than a beautiful face during the pageant, but you’ll still be amazed to really learn about the girl behind the tiara. In a gorgeous yellow gown, Nina Davuluri looked absolutely stunned when it was announced that she had been chosen to be 2014’s Miss America on Sept. 15. As Nina, 24, starts to come down from her Sunday night high, here are the things you need to know about her! Nina Davuluri: Meet The New Miss America 1. She’s A Trailblazer Nina is the first Indian American to ever be crowned Miss America. Though she hails from the Syracuse, NY area, she was born to Telugu parents from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. “I’m most excited to promote my platform,” Nina said after being crowned. “I was the first Indian Miss New York and I’m so proud to be the first Indian Miss America.” 2. She’s A Straight-A Student Nina attended the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science. In her time at the university she made the Dean’s List, and won the Michigan Merit Award and a National Honor Society Award. 3. She Wants To Follow In Her Family’s Footsteps It’s a good thing she gets amazing grades — Nina’s father is a gynecologist, her sister is in her third year of medical school, her maternal aunt and uncle are doctors who run a nursing home in India, and her father’s siblings also work in the medical field in America, according to Rediff. So what do you think Nina wants to do once her duties as Miss America are over? “Nina also wants to become a doctor, a cardiologist,” her grandmother told Rediff. 4. But She’s Also Battled Hard Times During her time as Miss New York, Nina bravely spoke out about her past struggles with bulimia. She lost about 50 pounds due to the eating disorder, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard. But instead of hiding her issues, Nina has talked about them to raise awareness and help other people struggling with the same thing. “People who’ve been overweight, especially women, feel like at a moment’s notice we can go back to where we were,” she told the Syracuse Post-Standard. “It makes you more sympathetic, more empathetic. You don’t judge. I’ve been there, and if I can pull myself out of where I’ve been, anyone can.” 5. Of Course She’s An Animal Lover In a video on Miss New York’s website, Nina jokes that she doesn’t worship cows, but she does worship one animal — her adorable dog! “He’s half-retriever, half question mark. Love him!,” she says. With Nina being so well-rounded and empowered, it’s no surprise that she won the crown, and there’s no doubt that she’ll do an amazing job as Miss America. What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Let us know