You can find her around campus, walking around at Market Wednesday or at campus events like the Big Event. But you’ll most likely catch her in Doak Campbell Stadium, proudly upholding the garnet and gold while filling the shoes of our very own Super Nole. Meet Mercy Joy, the most spirited FSU student you’ll ever find and truly, Florida State’s Super Nole.
Mercy grew up in Winter Haven, Florida and was homeschooled her whole life, always staying busy with her involvement in activities from soccer, to theatre, to art classes. She is now currently a third year senior here at Florida State, majoring in Media Communication Studies with a minor in Hispanic Marketing, and truly leaving her mark. In the midst of it all, I was able to sit down with Mercy to some coffee and find out more about how she became a campus celebrity.
Alexandra Magoulas: So, for any of our readers who don’t know you, how would you describe yourself?
Mercy Joy: I try to stay intensely involved on campus and try to demonstrate the most school spirit out of anyone. I’m always working with communications and basically anything that will enhance what I’m studying.
AM: How did being a Super Nole first start?
MJ: It was actually started by three guys five years ago! They started painting up for games and came up with the idea of dressing as superheroes, and eventually sought to make it a tradition and gain sponsorship. That’s when Seminole boosters came in and agreed to sponsor them, and they’ve been picking students to come fill in the role ever since. I’ve personally been painting up as different characters since freshman year, but Super Nole is definitely the most fun. I used to go up to them to take pictures with them every game, and we eventually became friends. So by the time they graduated they called me to fill in and continue on the role for showing the school spirit.
AM: What’s it like filling in the role?
MJ: I’d say a typical game day starts with painting up 6 hours before the game. It usually takes about 2 hours for me and the other Super Nole to be fully painted up and ready to go. From there, we visit Skull Session (marching chiefs pregame show at the baseball field), and then we do rounds at the stadium taking pictures, visiting tailgates, and more recently, we joined the parade (look up that name) that starts in Collegetown. And after that, the game starts and we visit other sections, but for the most part, stay in the student section helping with getting the crowd pumped up.
AM: What would you say is your favorite part about being Super Nole?
MJ: Definitely taking pictures with all the fans. I’m too tall to be a Disney princess, but being a Super Nole is like being FSU’s version of a Disney princess. It’s a Seminole dream come true.
AM: What else are you involved in on campus?
MJ: I am a student senator, I’m on my college’s leadership council, on the executive board for my campus ministry CCF, and I serve on the executive board for the Big Event. I’m also involved with Leadershape, help with the senate of Hispanic marketing, and an internship with campus ministry, among other things.
AM: What’s your favorite part about Florida State and why?
MJ: Just the school spirit overall. That’s what first convinced me to come to Florida State. I found my home through that. I wasn’t involved in much my freshman year, and all I did was go crazy at football games, and that’s how people would recognize me: through my school spirit. It’s truly helped me leave a legacy here at Florida State.
AM: Do you have any career goals or plans for the future?
MJ: I would love to be a public relations specialist for a media company. My dream job would be to work for either Disney or ESPN.
AM: If you could share some advice with any incoming freshmen at FSU, what would it be?
MJ: Finding a group that fits with your passions and utilizes your talents is extremely important to your growth in college. There’s truly a place for everyone at Florida State, and take freshman year as your time to find them. And go to all the football games!