Andrea (second from left) and friends visiting Germany
Andrea Mellen is a senior studying French and International Studies at Millersville. She will be graduating this May, but she’s already travelled all over the world. While studying abroad in Caen, France last year, she had the opportunity to travel across Western Europe on breaks. These, among other things, are some of the many great experiences her time at Millersville has provided.
Hometown: Downingtown, Pa.
Age: 21
Class Year: 2014
Why did you choose Millersville?
I like the calm, country atmosphere and loved the campus when I visited. I also knew that Millersville was known for its fantastic language program and, since French is my major, that was obviously important to me.
What is your favorite thing about your time at Millersville?
My favorite thing about my time at Millersville was being given the opportunity to study abroad. I went to Caen, France my junior year (Fall 2012-Spring 2013) and it absolutely changed my life. I grew up and learned exactly what my place is in this world.
Why did you choose your major?
My grandfather was French, but he passed away when my mother was 2 years old, so I never got to know him. Learning his language was one way for me to connect with him a little bit. I am a dual major and I hope that the two together will allow me to travel and have a positive impact on the world.
Andrea (center) and fellow 2011 orientation leaders.
Are you involved in anything on campus?
I am the treasurer of the French Club. I was also an orientation leader in 2011.
Do you have a favorite place at Millersville?
My favorite place at Millersville is the pond. When it is a nice, spring day (and I have some free time), there is nothing that I love more than to sit beside the pond and do my homework, read a book or people-watch.
What is your favorite thing to do during the school year?
My favorite thing to do downtown in Lancaster is to go to all the little shops along Queen Street.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
Simply find a job that interests me!!!
What will you miss most about Millersville?
I will miss my friends and the fabulous faculty with whom I have come into contact. My college years have resulted in some extremely strong bonds that I am thankful to have made.
What was it like to get to study abroad? Did you get to do anything particularly memorable while there?
It was an incredible experience and it changed me in many ways. I became more responsible, more aware of my place in the world, and learned to go with the flow a little more. Before leaving, I was very high-strung and needed everything to be planned out well in advance. Studying abroad made me realize that this is not always possible and, more importantly, that it is OKAY. The best part was spending New Years in London, England with my friend John, who I met while studying abroad. He was my travel buddy and this trip was a last minute, December 29 decision. Standing on the Westminster Bridge and listening to Big Ben ring in the New Year with thousands of happy strangers was an experience that I will never forget.
Andrea and John celebrating New Year’s in London
What is something you have learned here, or some way your time at Millersville has influenced you?
I have learned that I am capable of doing anything that I set my mind to, as long as I have the determination and tools necessary.
What is something you want to do before graduation?
Something I want to do before graduation is buy tickets to the Bruno Mars concert that will be in Hershey this summer as a graduation gift to myself!!!
Favorite TV shows?
“New Girl”, “Big Bang Theory”, “The Office: (when Steve Carell was still on), “Chopped”
Where would you most like to travel?
Anywhere! I’ve already been to a lot of states in the United States, as well as many Western European countries, so anywhere other than there!