In 2011, Kelsei Yow was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis during her senior year at Greenwood High School. Despite this challenge, she pursued an active college life at Midland College, participating in various activities such as the Chaps dance team and MC cheerleading. Yow also engaged in intramurals, playing flag football, basketball, ping pong tournaments, and sand volleyball. She served as a Midland College Ambassador and even appeared in a 2012 MC commercial showcasing her skateboarding skills.
“I’ve always enjoyed being active and participating in extra-curricular activities,” Yow explained. In high school, she was involved in sports like volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. She was also part of the National Honor Society and tutored elementary students. “I just can’t imagine not getting involved and enjoying life to the fullest.”
After graduating from Midland College (MC), Yow became a certified personal trainer specializing in golf and worked at Green Tree Country Club for four years. Her career path included roles as an office manager and later in management and sales for a water transfer supply company. Health and fitness remain important to her.
“During my years as a personal trainer, I did a lot of research on rheumatoid arthritis,” she said. Through collaboration with her doctor, she found suitable medication and learned to manage symptoms through diet by controlling sugar, sodium, and alcohol intake. “However, I can still tell you when it’s going to rain or a cold front is on the way because that’s when my joints hurt the most!”
Currently working as Senior Business Operations Manager for Patriot Safety & Services, Yow maintains her commitment to health by exercising regularly. She connects with teens and young adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis through social media.
“I mainly offer them words of encouragement,” Yow said. “I have been living a full and active life with rheumatoid arthritis for over 10 years.” Sharing coping strategies has helped her build supportive networks.
Yow's passion extends to music; she enjoys all genres but favors Motown and Classic Rock. At Midland College, she took various music classes including drums, guitar, piano—and still plays these instruments along with the baritone ukulele.
“I’ve always loved music!” she exclaimed. During the COVID pandemic furlough period, she contributed to filming a music video for the Jack Nelson Band.
Her interest in history grew while attending Midland College due to engaging professors like Dr. Todd Houck and Dr. Damon Kennedy.
In addition to golfing, skateboarding, exercising, playing instruments—Yow enjoys traveling to visit family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she once experienced a hurricane party! Closer home vacation spot is Lake Alan Henry near Lubbock where she indulges in water sports.
Midland College offers diverse programs for students exploring educational opportunities; their Welcome Center provides general information.