The INSIDER - 2021 Year End Edition

Meet Miss Alyssa Pillow, the 2021 - 2022 Miss Texas College. On Thursday, November 4, 2021, Miss Pillow officially assumed her throne as she was crowned the 2021 - 2022 Miss Texas College at her intimate coronation in the historic Martin Hall auditorium. Miss Alyssa Pillow is a 19 - year - old native of Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the daughter of Mr. Tony (Gilecia) Pillow and Ms. Kristen Watson; she has two siblings, Ayden, age 11, and Chayse, age seven. Miss Pillow is a 2019 graduate of Central Arkansas Christian in Little Rock. As a high school student at Central Arkansas Christian, she was actively involved as a student - athlete, participating as a member of the girl's volleyball team, softball team, and track team. Miss Pillow likewise evidenced her commitment to

academics, as she completed her high school endeavors as an Honors Scholar. Miss Pillow’s high school teachers were quick to describe her as a very mature, intelligent young lady, full of ambition. Her positive mindset separates her from her peers and will undoubtedly carry her far along her chosen path. Currently, Miss Pillow is a sophomore at Texas College, where she majors in Biology/ Pre - Med. Throughout her collegiate career, she has worked strenuously to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 4.0. Aside from Miss Pillow’s stellar academic performance as a scholar, she is also heavily involved outside of the classroom as a member of the Pre - Alumni Council, where she serves as Treasurer. In addition to the aforementioned extracurricular and scholarly commitments, Miss Pillow also serves the College as a student - athlete as part of the Women’s Softball Team. Wearing #22 on the diamond, her versatility is utilized by the Steers as an infielder and outfielder.

Upon graduation from Texas College, Miss Pillow aspires to be accepted into medical school to continue her studies and become an Obstetrics/ Gynecology (OB/GYN). Miss Pillow describes her career aspirations as a genuine calling to serve. When discussing her goals to become an OB/GYN, Miss Pillow emphasizes the significance for women, especially those of color, to understand the importance of their overall health. Particularly, she extends this sentiment and care especially to women during pregnancy. Further, as an OB/GYN, Miss Pillow intends to focus her passions toward helping decrease the mortality rate in women of color during child birth through community and individual educational programs. Miss Pillow has always dreamed big and aspired for more out of her life. Throughout her life, she has always had the desire to help others, but did not know how or where to begin. Prior to her higher education pursuits, she was often soft - spoken and unsure of herself at times; she was more inclined to follow than lead. However, upon entering the gates of Texas College and stepping foot on the 127 - year - old hallowed grounds, Miss Pillow discovered her voice and just how powerful it can be when wielded. Eagerly, she asserts that the time is now to take on the responsibility of creating beneficial opportunities for her fellow classmates and student body, as well as future Texas College students for generations to come. The Miss Texas College crown will equip Miss Pillow with the platform to implement and achieve her goals, while simultaneously ascending higher to reach a greater audience in the process. Famously coined by Maya Angelou, Miss Pillow lives by the motto "If we lose love and self - respect for each other, this is how we finally die."

Miss Alyssa Pillow, 2021-2022 Miss Texas College 10