Posted on Monday, March 04, 2024
Mecole Hayes (SOC '15)
Breaking Boundaries: Mecole Hayes, the First Alumna to Brave the Big Brother House
In the annals of television history, few have left as indelible a mark as Mecole Hayes (SOC ’15), a woman whose journey from the hallowed halls of Texas Southern University (TSU) to the glitz and glamor of reality TV has captivated audiences worldwide. As the first alumnae of an HBCU and TSU to grace the Big Brother stage, the St. Louis native's story is not just one of entertainment but of inspiration, resilience, and breaking barriers.
A Journey Rooted in Firsts
Mecole's journey began as a first-generation college student from St. Louis, Missouri, navigating the uncharted waters of academia with determination and grit. Mecole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism and Speech Communications in 2015 from TSU. At TSU, she found solace in the vibrant energy of an HBCU, where the Tiger Walk became not just a path but a symbol of solidarity and belonging. Joining the NAACP and immersing herself in campus leadership activities ignited Mecole's passion for policy and politics, setting the stage for her remarkable future. At Texas Southern, Mecole served two terms as Editor in Chief for the TSU Herald, was a Spring '14 initiate of the Delta Gamma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and part of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Her time spent in leadership roles shaped her to be the woman and advocate she is today. Mecole cites The Herald’s “Meet the Press” event as one of her favorite memories as a Tiger.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
In her post-graduation career, Mecole encountered challenges that tested her resolve. From self-doubt to facing naysayers, she learned to trust in herself and sought mentorship from those who believed in her potential. Even in the cutthroat world of Capitol Hill and political consultancy, Mecole persevered, knowing that her journey was paving the way for future generations of women like her. Mecole’s battle with Imposter Syndrome as a dark-skinned HBCU graduate in politics shaped the way that she approached leadership and advocacy for the unheard. Big issues that affect the black community like colorism only fueled her fire to keep going and it led her to become one of the most revered education policy advocates on The Hill. Her work in policy and child literacy still resonates in the Washington, DC, community long after her time spent as a Political Consultant and Senior Policy Advisor. On her downtime to remain grounded, Mecole values time spent with family, investing in her marriage, and working out.
From Policy to Primetime
Despite her successes in the political arena, Mecole's thirst for adventure led her to a new frontier: reality television. But this wasn't just any show – it was Big Brother, a cultural phenomenon where contestants vie for victory in a house filled with twists, turns, and strategic gameplay. Mecole and her mother watched the show for years as fans before she took her shot at the show, and she leveraged her political expertise to up her strategy while she was there. As the first HBCU graduate to enter the Big Brother house, Mecole made history, enduring grueling competitions and navigating alliances with poise and grace. Mecole’s smart gameplay led her to make history on the show. She was one of six players in the history of the game to last more than thirteen hours in the iconic pressure cooker competition, the first player ever to last sixty-five days in the Big Brother House without making jury and still ended up with a top 10 Placement!
Mecole was a force and left the Big Brother House, a fan favorite.
Leaving a Legacy
Beyond the bright lights and camera lenses, Mecole's legacy extends far and wide. Her achievements, from her tenure with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to her advocacy work in education, have inspired countless individuals to dream big and defy expectations. Through her resilience and determination, she has shown that no obstacle is insurmountable and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Always trusting herself, Mecole has served as a well-respected Senior Policy Advisor for a Congressman in the House, an Education Lobbyist for several national education non-profit organizations, and a Political Consultant. Mecole has strived for greatness since she stepped foot on the Tiger Walk from St. Louis, Missouri, and is still being a change-maker in her respective sectors.
A Beacon of Hope
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor young, distinguished pioneers like Mecole Hayes, whose courage, tenacity, and unwavering spirit continue to light the way for generations of women to come. In a world where barriers still exist, Mecole's story reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of daring, anything is possible.
Looking back, if she could tell her younger self anything before her life’s journey, she would tell younger Mecole, “You have always been an inquisitive and curious little girl, and I don't want you to ever stop that. Continue to be curious, continue to ask questions, continue to explore. Your thirst for knowledge, your thirst for information, and your thirst for access will provide you with a life that is beyond your wildest imagination. Oftentimes, people will try to project their insecurities or limitations on you; don't ever believe them. Whatever somebody tells you is impossible is actually the opposite.” Mecole would tell the little her, “I don't want you ever to waste a second of your life thinking that you are not beautiful enough because of your skin tone. Don't allow anybody to trick you into believing that you need to be anything other than what you are because you are beautiful; you are intelligent, capable, funny, and desired. People Love you.”
Mecole Hayes, the first TSU alumna to step into the Big Brother house, has not only made her mark on reality television but has etched her name into the annals of history as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope for women who dare to “do” everywhere.
Category: Alumni, News Media, Students, Faculty & Staff