Hi, everyone! My name is Melissa, but I also go by Mel. I was raised with three other sisters in Gahanna, Ohio, a suburb northeast of Columbus. My family was a buckeye family from the start, so I always knew I wanted to go to Ohio State.
Even though I knew I wanted to come to OSU, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I tried out civil engineering and architecture; however, I am now a third year majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in architectural studies. I ended up with the minor because took a couple architecture classes last spring and absolutely loved them.
While being at Ohio State, I have realized I have a love for exploring and traveling. I went on a trip last spring break to the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. We spent the week living out of our kayaks while kayaking from island to island each day. It was a difficult but amazing trip, and I knew that I wanted to do something just as exciting this year. During my previous architecture classes, I heard about the opportunity to study abroad. After learning that this class had some focus on sketching and was also in a country I have never seen, I knew I would love it.
I have always loved all things related to art, including painting, drawing, working with clay, but I have found that charcoal is my favorite. I enjoy watching and playing just about any sport with volleyball being my favorite. I also am a lover of exploring the outdoors and playing the piano. I recently became interested in photography, so I am most excited to get to sketch and photograph London.
Sea Kayaking Trip, March 2017
A Photo of Me With My Favorite Animal in the Dominican Republic, December 2016