Kelsey Paylor: Ms. Madison

Name: Kelsey PaylorGrade: SeniorMajor: PsychologyMinor: Studio Arts

You were recently crowned Ms. Madison, could you tell us more about that? ​Well, I was shocked. I was not expecting to hear my name announced across Bridgeforth Stadium. It was a very surreal moment. I think the greatest part about this moment though, was sharing it with my mom and dad. As my parents and I were walking onto the field I just remember thanking them for being there and being a part of this moment with me. I knew that, no matter the outcome, it would be a moment I would never forget.

What organization nominated you? Were you involved with this organization? Outriggers Peer Educators – Outriggers for short. I have been involved in Outriggers since my freshmen year. It is a leadership organization that serves as a support to the other 330+ orgs. on campus. Our role is to develop personalized programs for organizations to help them develop in team building, leadership, communication, goal setting, etc. Pretty much anything you need, Outriggers can support you in that and get the conversation going through activities, energizers, and icebreakers.

Could you tell us a little more on the nomination/ application process? Each organization on campus can nominate one lady and one gent. Outriggers nominated me and the fantastic Avery Hymel. Once you are nominated, there is an application. You also choose one member from the organization that nominated you to write you a letter of recommendation. After that, you are contacted if you received an individual interview. You interview with SGA and the final four ladies and gents are chosen by students and faculty based on leadership, merit, and service to the university. Overall, it’s a very humbling and reflective process that I was thankful as I was going through it.

How did you feel after winning? Why? Hmm…shocked. Humbled. In a daze. Amazed. Speechless. I could go on and on. More than anything, I was humbled. There are so many people on this campus that serve JMU with passion and poise. I am only one of thousands. When I won, I wasn’t thinking about how I was JMU’s Ms. Madison. I was thinking about all the people that were my Mr. & Ms. Madison. My housemates, my roommate. My closest friend since freshmen year. My boyfriend. The professor I TA for. My small group. My grandma, who went here a little while back. My Outrigger peers. My FROGs. My First-years. My many many great friends, without whom I wouldn’t have been on that field. So, above all else, I felt thankful for everyone who are MY Mr. & Ms. Madison

What did you take away from this experience? “The best servant does his work unseen” – Oliver Wendell Holmes. Serve because you love it. Build relationships because you care. Study to LEARN, to know something. Do all of this for the intrinsic value within yourself. The extrinsic is only the cherry on top – it’s not necessary for a meaningful life. Also, know that you’re wonderful and beautiful just the way you are. Keep making the difference only YOU can make. JMU would be sadder place without it. 

After the past four years, what have you gained from the JMU community? What I have gained that matters most to me are the relationships! Your time here passes quickly and the thing that will exist past this is the friendships, the knowledge you gained through classes and experiences, and the person of integrity you allowed yourself to become. 

As a soon to be graduate, do you have any advice or tips for the rest of the JMU student body? Embrace it. Keep making the difference only YOU can make. Love JMU because we are blessed!  Embrace your JMU experience.