Finding her voice: MCC alumna shares her journey from student to news anchor
Diamond Paylor considers her first day as a freshman at Meridian Community College a favorite memory.
She made new friends, felt welcomed, and had a feeling that she was right where she needed to be.
“It felt like a home away from home,” Paylor said. “Everyone was so friendly, especially during orientation.”
Now 23, the Meridian native is a multimedia journalist, producer, and anchor for her hometown television station, WTOK-TV. But just a few years ago, she was a student at MCC with a dream of working in broadcast media and a passion for writing and public relations.
Paylor graduated from MCC in December 2021 with an associate of arts degree in the University Transfer program. She credits MCC with giving her the support and direction she needed.
“Attending MCC was the best thing that could have happened to me—mentally, physically, and financially,” she said. “They have amazing staff who work with you no matter your situation, and great teachers and friends that last a lifetime.”
Paylor said her time at MCC helped her discover herself and learn about four-year colleges through the connections she made. That path led her to a career where she now tells other people’s stories.
“The best part of my job is getting to connect with so many people in our community,” she said.
Her dream is to one day report for a major ABC station in New York or work in public relations and social media. No matter where her career takes her, she knows where it all started.
“MCC is a place where you can find your wings and fly high,” Paylor said.
She also credits her family for keeping her going.
“My family is amazing and so supportive,” she said. “They motivated me through college and always helped me if I needed it.”
Her advice for current students? “Don’t give up.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu