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Meet Former Miss West Virginia And Current WVU News Anchor, Paige Madden

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Caroline Peters
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Taylor Deer
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter.

Paige Madden is not only the newest main anchor for WVU News but she is also the former Miss West Virginia.  Clearly, her experience as a pageant girl helped her develop her speaking skills as it carries through when you watch her on the weekly WVU Newscast.  Paige lives life to the fullest and truly wants to help and inspire others.  We support you and everything you do, Paige!

1.) How old were you when you decided to pursue broadcast journalism?

I found a love for broadcast journalism my junior year of high school when my school’s broadcasting teacher, Mr. Wood, approached me and asked me to take the classes. I had a great experience and found a mentor in Mr. Wood.

 

2.) What is your number one goal in life?

I’d say overall I want to be able to support myself and my family, and be a mom someday. I’m also thinking about pursuing a Masters in Social Work. I want to be able to change lives.

3.) How is it transitioning back to a student after serving as Miss West Virginia for a year?

Honestly, transitioning back into school after a year off is more difficult than I thought it would be. 5 weeks in, I feel like I’m finally getting back in to the swing of things again.

4.) What did you learn from your experiences as Miss West Virginia?

I spent a lot of time traveling as Miss West Virginia, so I learned a lot about the state. I learned a lot about our state’s people. Mostly, I learned about myself and who I am.

5.) What’s your advice for any females who wish to pursue their dreams in either journalism or pageants?

As far as journalism is concerned, don’t let the boys intimidate you. Be creative and be unique. Pageants? Be yourself. You would not want to win a pageant acting like someone you’re not–how disappointing. Don’t compare yourself to others, either. Everyone has something special to bring to the table.

You can follow Paige on twitter at @PMadden_WVUNews or email her with story ideas for WVU News at pmadden@mix.wvu.edu 

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  I grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. Growing up here I knew there was a possibility of going to West Virginia University my entire life. Although I decided to start my college career at the University of Kentucky, those country roads led me back to WVU in the spring of my sophomore year. This was also the point when I decided to establish myself as a Broadcast Journalist student. Since this point I have strived to become the best possible journalist I can be. I am currently working as a weekend reporter for WDTV-Channel 5 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Prior to receiving this position, I worked as an intern with WCHS-tv/FOX11, in the summer of 2014, where I learned critical editing, interviewing, writing, and speaking skills. I worked closely with anchors, reporters, editors, directors, producers, and even the web team. Aside from the television industry, I am the Campus Correspondent for the West Virginia University Chapter of the online entertainment magazine, Her Campus. Another position I currently hold is the Social Media Chair of WVU’s Radio Television Digital News Association Chapter. In the Fall of 2012, I became a sister of the Alpha Phi Fraternity, in which I held the position of ‘Big Sister Chairman.’ My other passions include horse back riding, scuba diving, being outdoors, and running. I am very adventurous and I try to stay well rounded. My goal in life is to live life to the fullest and be the best possible version of myself. My ultimate goal would be to earn a spot as a reporter/anchor for Fox News, New York. I plan to graduate in December of 2016 and look forward to my future.