Melissa (far right) poses with some MU friends
From the first time she stepped foot on Millersville’s campus, Melissa knew this was the place for her. Since that day there has been no turning back. In her four years here, Melissa has become incredibly involved on campus with activities and friends–something which will surely make it hard to leave in just a few weeks. However, despite the bittersweet feeling of impending graduation, Melissa looks forward to a bright future of teaching, and fond reunions with all those familiar faces in the years to come.
Hometown: Waymart, Pa.
Age: 22
Class Year: 2014
Why did you choose Millersville?
My top requirement for a college was for it to have lots of green space. Millersville definitely met that requirement with the gorgeous pond and spacious quad. When I first visited Millersville, I walked around campus and talked to a few people who happened to be around. Everyone that I talked to was so nice and honest about their experience here. As I was walking back to my car, two girls passed and yelled, “Come to Millersville, we love it!” Right then I knew that Millersville is where I wanted to be.
What is your favorite thing about your time at Millersville?
I have been involved in many activities at Millersville and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. If I had to pick the most memorable, I would have to pick the SHARP Team. SHARP stands for Students Helping Admissions Recruitment Program. Basically, I work for admissions as a tour guide. My job helped me in various ways. First of all, I professionally improved my public relations and speaking skills. Because I am an education major, these two skills are extremely important. Being a part of the SHARP Team become more than a job to me, it became a sense of pride in Millersville and all the university has to offer. I enjoyed being able to talk about Millersville and share my experiences with prospective families. All of the tour guides I worked with did, which is another reason why the SHARP Team is so important to me; I loved all the friends I made through the job. At first they were just work friends, but as all friends they strengthen over time. As I picked up more hours, I was with them more and more. Even if I wasn’t working we would all meet to eat lunch together, or sit and do homework together. Since I am student teaching now, I am no longer available during the day for either, but we hang out outside of tours. These people helped me grow as a person, a professional and in the end as a friend. The SHARP Team and all the people I met through my experience will always remain with me.
Why did you choose your major?
When I was in high school I took a human geography course. We studied countries all over the world. One thing that stuck with me was the facts I learned about the countries in Africa. We discussed possible ways that African tribes could grow out of the slums, and more specifically how the change in women’s rights could affect the social structure and overall well-being of struggling countries. To make a longer story shorter, the answer was empowering women. This is done through education. By women becoming educated about themselves and all the potential they hold (outside of motherhood), they could change society. I brought this back in my mind and thought about the United States. We still have struggling families and children starving right here at home. I want to change that, and I think education is the answer. By teaching today, we improve tomorrow.
I want to end the cycle of poverty and give everyone the chance for the “American Dream.” All kids need to realize they have the power to make an impact on the world. If we all work together, we can accomplish great things.
Are you involved in anything on campus?
As I said, I am part of the SHARP Team. I am also a member of Circle K , which is a community service organization. We do things like Adopt-A-Highway, Caitlyn’s Smiles, Water Street Clean Ups and other fundraising events. I was president in my junior year. I was also a member of Habitat for Humanity and the John Newman Organization. Besides that, I played a bunch of intramural sports like soccer, basketball, football, Ultimate Frisbee, innertube water polo (champion!) and softball.
Melissa (center left) pictured here with fellow 2011 Orientation Leaders
Do you have a favorite place at Millersville?
My favorite place at Millersville would have to be in Dr. Himmele’s class. I only had him once, but I learned so much in his class. He used all ideological teaching ideas and shared his wealth of knowledge with the class. I went to him a few times after class and he was so open and gave me all sorts of advice. Definitely an asset to Millersville!
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
My favorite thing to do on campus is to hang out with my friends on the Quad. I love the springtime on the Quad because everyone is out and having a good time. My friends and I have homework dates out there, or just sit out and talk. Most of all, I like to go out and kick a soccer ball around and just take the time to relax.
Tell me a little bit about your student teaching experience. What have you enjoyed most?
The first part of my student teaching was at Columbia Jr. High school in an 8th grade math classroom. I had a great time! It was difficult starting out at first because of the culture change. Many of my students were underprivileged with little academic push. It was a test every day to gain their respect and keep them motivated. Typically kids from lower-income areas have trouble adjusting to change, and I experienced that! But when it was time for me to leave, I wasn’t ready. I had just really started to connect with my kids and they had just really started to connect with me. I loved seeing the information click for them and their eyes light up with that “Ah-ha moment.” I loved connecting with the kids and learning from my cooperating teacher.
The second part of my student teaching has been at Manheim Township Landis Run Intermediate School in a 6th grade math and language arts class. It was a shock going from one set of kids to the next because usually Township kids are pretty well off. But as I go through I realize that although the kids go through different struggles, they are still kids and need the same essential things to learn. I was glad I ended here because I feel that I am teaching in the ideological way that I have always been told to teach. At Township, the kids can be responsible with group and independent work. I can have them play a math game and know with confidence that they will be intrinsically motivated to actually learn the material. In the beginning, the biggest difficulty was the change from my Columbia kids to the Township kids. It was like I was in a minute depression because I had grown with them so much. Each experience will be treasured.
What has been the most difficult part?
If I could change something it would have to be all the work! Many nights I felt/feel overwhelmed. I want to put all my focus on my students, but I have projects and a class, and other things outside of the bulk of teaching that I had to do. Three more weeks and then I will just have to worry about teaching!
Do you feel your experience has prepared you for the future?
Both of my placements definitely prepared me through all the teaching I was able to do. The more lessons I planned, the quicker I got at planning them. The more I teach, the more comfortable I am.
What makes you stand out as a Millersville student?
I did plan the coolest fundraiser ever, Humans vs. Zombies!!! It is a week-long game of tag that I ran as a fundraiser. All the money was donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on staying in the area. I already have an apartment right outside of Millersville (it is between Millersville and Park City). I think this is prime location since I do not have a job yet, but hopefully I will have one! I want a teaching job so that I can start impacting students’ lives.
What will you miss most about Millersville?
I will miss being close to everyone the most. College is definitely stressful, but it is also so much fun and I have created so many lasting memories. It was nice to be able to walk down the hallway or down the street to a friend’s house. Now we will all be moving and those 3 a.m. late-nights with candy and an energy drink from the Anchor won’t happen again.
Melissa (far right) and friends celebrate Thanksgiving
What is something you have learned here, or some way your time at Millersville has influenced you?
Millersville has taught me to take everything one day at a time. I grew up when I came Millersville and realized that I can’t control everything. Sometimes a “whatever” attitude is what you have to have to keep sane. I do what I can, and I try my best, but in the end your best is all that you can do.
What is something you want to do before graduation?
I want to have a big bash with all my friends. Everyone that I have been friends with at Millersville, people from class, work, everyone—we all get together and just hang out and give it one last hooray. I have met so many amazing people, and some of them I might never talk to again, but I want to tell them all how important they have been to me.
Favorite TV shows?
“Pretty Little Liars”!!!!! “The Walking Dead”!!!! Yes, I know two opposites, but so good!
What is something someone would be surprised to know about you?
I am a handy woman. Roofs, sinks, spackle, I have probably done it at least once.
Do you have any special talents?
I can function on very little sleep… like teach a full day of classes after pulling an all-nighter.
Where would you most like to travel?
Hawaii! Somewhere with a beautiful beach where I can learn to surf!