The Scripps National Spelling Bee is right around the corner, but before we get there, we have the Kern County Spelling Bee.

We spoke with last year's county winner, Sydney Cho, to see what advice he has for those competing this year.

The moment Sydney, an eighth-grader from Norris Middle School, spelled "polities" correctly – he became the winner.

Now, Sydney is a freshman at Centennial High School, so he isn’t eligible to compete anymore, but he has some advice for those who are preparing to take the stage.

“I know this might be sounding a little crazy, but make sure you just kind of rest the day before,” Sydney said.

He also advises that contestants spell very slowly.

“Even though it might sound boring, it’s better than losing the word, which I have unfortunately seen.”

And even though only those with a specific age range can take part in the Bee, Sydney says everyone can learn a lesson from it.

“Spelling definitely gives you credibility.”

The Kern County Spelling Bee, which is a qualifier for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, gets underway on Monday.