Recently, Molly May, a senior communication major with a concentration in public relations, received the title of Miss Mississippi State University, but the Houston native is no stranger to competing. 
May began seriously competing in pageantries and within the Miss America organization when she was a senior in high school. She won the “teen version” of Miss Mississippi when she became Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen in 2012. 
She then went on to compete in Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, placing in the top five and winning the talent portion. The scholarship money she acquired paid for her first two years of college. 
After seeing the great benefits, and receiving much joy in competing, May decided to keep going. Taking her freshman year off to enjoy being a college student, she picked things back up when she competed for the first time in the Miss Mississippi pageant her sophomore year and again this past June, which allowed for the remainder of her college career to be taken care of.
“One of my biggest dreams is to compete in Miss America, to represent my state, but first I wanted to represent my university, which made me decide to compete for Miss MSU,” said May.
May said although she has been Miss MSU for only about two weeks now, it is not just a title, it is a job.
“I am an employee of this university and the face of this institution which is a lot of pressure, but something that I take very seriously and would not trade for anything in the world, especially for my senior year of college,” May said.
“I have always been a people person,” May said, “and I always make sure I pay attention to what I say; being Miss MSU, I know my words carry more weight and I am very selective in what I say whether I am talking freely in the library or to President Keenum.”
On her experience in competing in Miss MSU, May said it was overwhelming how kind the girls were and how she still maintains long lasting friendships with the girls.
John Forde, head of the Department of Communication, said he is thrilled for Molly’s success.
“I couldn’t be happier for Molly, she’s done well in the past when she’s competed, and I have no doubt she will continue to make us all proud,” Forde said.
Molly’s mother, Debra May is a 12-year breast cancer survivor who said she remembers how brave Molly was during those days.
“Molly was eight when I had breast cancer, and once my hair began to fall out, I knew she didn’t understand and was scared, but she eventually came around and has been my biggest support system,” May said.
May said she is grateful for the opportunities competing in pageants have provided for her daughter.
“Molly’s platform, which focuses on breast cancer awareness, is something near and dear to both of our hearts,” May said. “One of most beloved projects is creating Chemo Caps for those who have the cancer and lose their hair, an alternative to wearing those hot and itchy wigs.”
According to May, Molly has been a performer her whole life. Whether it was impersonating popular Disney characters for children or walking up to her grade school teachers and asking if she could sing for them, Molly loves people and aspires to encourage everyone she comes across.
Molly May said breast cancer awareness month is very important to her.
“October is my favorite month for many reasons,” May said, “not only is it Fall and we’re in the middle of football season, but it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I’m so thankful for my mother; a stage three breast cancer survivor and getting my own double mastectomy almost two years ago.”
May said she was tested and doctors found a radial scar which was a mass. She did not hesitate to get a double mastectomy, making her the youngest person in Mississippi to undergo the surgery.
“Pink is a very powerful color in my house, and I am very proud of all of the pink ribbons all around campus, we’re getting the word out about a very serious matter and that makes me happy,” May said.
May said her advice to girls who are aspiring to compete in similar competitions is to just go for it and they would not regret it. 
May’s next venture is running for Homecoming Queen, something very important to her, to be able to represent not only the University but the student body. May will be competing in next year’s Miss Mississippi in hopes of bringing home the title.