To say that Morgan is one tough chick would be an understatement. Not only has her dad been battling cancer for more than ten years, but the Purdue University sophomore has chosen a rigorous major – radiation therapy – and wants to make a difference. She’s kicking ass everyday and has yet to slow down. In fact, her attitude is nothing short of inspiring.
Onto a more fun note – she’s also a cheerleader for the D-1 school, a sister in Alpha Phi, and made it on the Dean’s list. Now she can add another accomplishment to that resume- Miss COED 2016 finalist!
We’re just over a week away from opening up the final round of voting, and you have a very important decision to make. If you think Morgan has what it takes, come back on January 27 and vote! In the meantime, find out more about her below.
See the twelve Miss COED 2016 finalists here.
Over the summer, you were undecided as a major. Any idea about where you see yourself yet?
Absolutely. This year, I have definitely thought long and hard about a career choice. Like I said, I want to make a true difference in people’s lives. I’ve decided that I want to work with cancer patients, and get a Bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy!
How long have you been cheerleading, and how has it shaped your life?
Well, it all started out with gymnastics. From age 3-11, I was a gymnast and grew into a competitive level. I decided I wanted to be even more competitive and switched to All-Star cheerleading. It was one of the best decisions I made and at such a young age. I loved the atmosphere of All-Star cheer from the routines, the music, the hairspray, the makeup, the crowds- everything about it! My life was pretty much eat, sleep, breathe, cheerleading. Meanwhile, I also did cheerleading at school from 7th grade to 12th grade. It shaped my life because it created structure for me. I learned discipline and life-long lessons from strict coaches and gained a passion for fitness and health. I went to the Cheerleading Worlds and competed 3 times (two of the times placing 8th and 10th in the world). My goal was always to become a college cheerleader, so after applying and receiving acceptance to Purdue, I knew I would try out! It was extremely competitive, but that’s what I trained my whole life for. I made the team, and now I am in my second year on the squad cheering on the boilermakers!!
How has your dad’s cancer diagnosis affected your outlook on life?
Warning you all, I could write a novel on this question…. It all started a little over 10 years ago when my father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma- a blood cancer that is NOT curable. However, depending on the stage, you can prolong life and use drugs, chemo, and worst-case scenario, stem cell (bone marrow transplant). This past summer before starting school, my father had a bone marrow transplant, stayed in isolation in the hospital for 3 weeks, lost all his hair, lost weight, and his personality diminished a little. This was the first “true” scare to me. He had cancer everywhere and the transplant cleared it all up (for now) and my family and I are so blessed that this first stem cell transplant worked. It has 110% affected my outlook on life. His diagnosis IS a wake up call to life. There is more to life than just parties, shopping, materialistic things, fake friendships and social media. You begin to realize who is there for you, and who isn’t, who cares about you, and who doesn’t. You learn a lot and learn to not get obsessed over petty, childish crap; life can change on a dime. You grow up and you realize that life has a meaning and life is fragile, and you should be damn thankful for everyday you live on this earth. Life isn’t fair sometimes, but I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason. It has brought my family closer, and I’ve realized that my dad is everything to me. It has brought me closer to God and changed me as a person. I continue to remember that everyday is a blessing.
You seem to be close to your family. What’s the #1 lesson they’ve taught you?
Yes I am close to my family! The #1 lesson they have taught me is to be independent. I matured super fast. I’ve gained wisdom on how the real world works! Having a job in high school and in the summers helped with that. I worked hard for my grades for myself and still do because I want a good life and career in the future. My parents love to lecture me, and yes it can be annoying, but they’re good lessons to be learned. “Don’t rely on a man someday (have a backup plan), get a degree that will guarantee a you a job right out of college, don’t put the cart before the horse”…blah blah blah and more. While it goes in one ear and out the other sometimes, I obviously picked up on it. I feel ready for the world and what is to come, and I can thank my parents for that.
What’s your favorite late night study snack?
Pizza!!! Basic, I know!
What has been the most rewarding part about joining your sorority- Alpha Phi?
The most rewarding part about joining my sorority Alpha Phi is that I’m never alone! I have sisters all the time around me, in the dining room, in the bathrooms, in the living rooms, in the halls; there are always girls to talk to and make you feel at home. I feel like Alpha Phi is my home away from home. It’s rewarding to know that we make a difference in the community with volunteering and with our main philanthropy Red Dress Gala, by raising awareness and money supporting cardiac care and health.
Describe yourself in three words.
Vibrant, perfectionist, sensitive.
What do you look for in a guy?
The number one thing that I look for in a guy is if they are smart. I love a guy with a personality that can make me laugh till I fall over. I like athletic, laid back guys that know what they want in life! Guys that have dreams, and goals, and a purpose.
What is your proudest moment?
Finally obtaining Dean’s list at Purdue, and I also received semester honors! I am so proud of myself. Hard work pays off!
What turns you off?
Alcoholics, druggies, follower-type people, and people who are caught up with themselves. No offense. But take a stand in your life if this is you; you are worth more and have potential, you just have to reach for your dreams and quit your bad habits. There is hope for everyone!
Follow Morgan on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat- @morganmackiley. Oh, and if you’re lucky, maybe she will accept your friend request on Facebook. 💁
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
When we said our Miss COED 2016 contestants were smart, we weren’t lying. Danielle is majoring