About Melissa

Ever since I was young, I grew up with the belief that education has the power to change the trajectory of a student’s life, and I have experienced this firsthand in my own life as an MIT alum, and in my work in education. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been drawn to working with students, which has led me to my current path today: from being a former MIT admissions officer to continuing to work with MIT undergraduates in a different capacity and volunteering as a mentor for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds through Minds Matter Boston. My passion for mentoring students led me to go on to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with a concentration in Higher Education Administration as well.

What I've enjoyed most throughout all of these experiences is getting to know students: what they care about, what motivates them, and how their experiences have shaped them. As a former admissions officer, I had the privilege of reading applications from students around the nation and the world, and I've seen how a strong personal statement is one that is based on a student’s unique background and interests, and one that allows their voice to shine. Personal statements and essays give students the rare opportunity to tell their story in their own words, and I’m here to help navigate that complex process and create a stronger application.