Khaoula Kamal is this year’s Miss MSU.
“I think Khaoula represents everything that MSU values: integrity, excellence, service and humility, and that her dedication to making the community around her better speaks to how much she deserves the title of Miss MSU,” said Ally Williams, a biochemistry and psychology student at Mississippi State University and friend of Kamal.
Kamal remembered how she felt when she was interviewed for Miss MSU and how she tried to be herself in the interview.
“I had offered so much to Mississippi State and was excited that they offered me this interview, so when I went in there, I just lost myself,” said Kamal. “I joked around, said all the things that I would say to my normal friends and teachers that I see every single day because I wanted them to see who I was.”
Kamal, a senior biomedical engineering major, remembers her family’s reaction when she announced that she had been selected as Miss MSU for the 2024 Homecoming Court.
“I’m a first-generation college student in America, and so my mom and I are both immigrants and so is the rest of my family,” Kamal said. “So, when she found out that the first kid ever in our family to go to college also happens to be one of the representatives for it now, she was happy.”
Born in Morocco, Kamal explained that her parents moved to America to give her a future that she deserved. She views winning Miss MSU as the culmination of the sacrifices and hardships her father went through for his family.
“My father was an English teacher, and he always dreamed of going out of the country so that he could get a better education for his kids because our country didn’t have the means to support us,” Kamal said. “My mom didn’t even finish high school. So when they immigrated to America with me as a baby, they had no clue really where to start.”
Nearing the end of her time at MSU, Kamal is proud of her achievements and accomplishments.
“I have been able to start a medical club named the American Medical Women’s Association for students who are interested in any free health programs,” said Kamal. “I have also been a part of the student association and served as a senator for about three years and am also a presidential scholar.”
Kamal’s dreams extend beyond the tasks required to be a physician.
“I also want to be an advocate for people who may not have enough money to pay for the medical treatment, or even immigrants who may not speak English language or be accustomed to American culture or legislation, to be able to help them access resources and help,” said Kamal.
The reason for her passion for these causes stems from a family tragedy.
“When I was 16, my father and two little brothers were in a car accident together and my father passed away,” Kamal said. “My brothers suffered tremendous injuries that we almost thought they were going to die too. I never want a family to ever go through that kind of pain.”
After graduation, Kamal plans to attend grad school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
Lily Langstaff is a senior wildlife, fisheries & aqua major. Having met Kamal through the Presidential Endowed Scholarship program and spending a summer interning together in Washington, D.C., Langstaff was proud of her friend’s award.
“Khaoula is the most hardworking and impressive but humble person I know,” said Langstaff. “She consistently shows up for everyone around her, and I’ve never heard her complain. I truly believe she’s an excellent representation of Mississippi State University and I am honored to be a student under her reign as Miss MSU.”
Kamal gave some advice for future college students.
“We should just take time to acclimate ourselves to our new environment before throwing ourselves into the world. It takes time,” said Kamal. “It is okay to take it slow and to learn what you love.”
