MAY

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Three years later her mother was declared cancer free following two single mastectomies, a hysterectomy, and chemotherapy.

In the process of her mother's journey, the family found out that her cancer was passed down through a DNA mutation called the BRCA1.

"We knew there was a 50/50 shot she had passed it along to me so when I turned 19 and was a freshman in college, we decided to send my blood off and find out if I'd inherited it," May said. Unfortunately she did.

A MRI was scheduled for precautionary measures.

"Well, we found a mass," she said.

Next was a biopsy.

"And the results were bad. My mom burst into tears and it was a literal split second decision for me," May said. "I was going to have a double mastectomy. Simple. That was my next step."

It was terrifying for May but she made the easiest decision possible to save her life.

May stated, "I chose life." Throughout her mother's battle with breast cancer, leading to May's diagnosis - her mother didn't want anything pink or any ribbons around the house.

"She said she didn't want to be reminded, because to her, she didn't view her battle as something she overcame," May said. "It was more so one more hard hill in her life she had to climb."

Her mother's perseverance and fight in spite of the pain strengthened her.

It was one more hard hill for the both of them. May's book, "My Crowning Achievement: Beating Cancer," fell into her lap after speaking at a Rotary Club in Jackson.

A publisher heard her tell her story. "After hearing my story he asked if I'd ever want to publish it and a little over a year later I did," May said.

The book is about her entire life: growing up in pageantry, watching her mom battle breast cancer, going through an abusive relationship, and having a double mastectomy so young. She constantly reminisces on her college years. "I couldn't have picked a better university to attend," she said.

May was very involved at MSU as a member of the Transfer Student Association, MSU Relay for Life, six honor societies and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

"I was blessed to have been active within the athletics department singing the National Anthem for the 5 of the 8 major sports offered, a spokesperson for the Compass Scholarship Program through the Mississippi State Foundation and studied abroad with the Communication department," she said.

In 2016 MSU crowned May as Miss Maroon and White.

She made history by being the only person to hold three titles simultaneously: Miss Maroon and White 2016, Miss MSU 2017, and Miss Greek 2017.

"I was involved and busy and I loved every second of it," May said. "I wish there was an all encompassing way for me to express my gratitude for everything I gained from MSU because I really am a better person having been a Bulldog."

She crowns felt heavier than any other crowns she had ever worn, because they came with responsibilities to uphold for MSU.

With her published book, she now feels responsible for administering hope.

"The goal was to write a book about hope and that's what I hope the readers take away from it," she said.

May said she found God in all of those trying times.

Her to advice to those who are struggling to find hope in tough times: "Surround yourself with people who look for it (hope) even when you can't. Sometimes it's hard to see the forrest through the trees, but that's why you have family, friends and a support system. I wouldn't have made it through alone, and I honestly don't think I was supposed to. So if someone else is struggling with something - whatever it is - talk to someone about it and cling close to those who want help."