Whether she’s coordinating service activities or coaching middle school cheer teams, Angela Melendez gives 100 percent to any task she takes on.
“Angela’s zeal to persevere and accomplish what she sets out to do is admirable,” said Reetha Raveendran, director for student engagement. “She has the ability to shine and do stellar work no matter what the task may be.”
And that’s why she is a Difference Maker.
“Every day, on and off campus, I try to make a difference to someone,” she said. “But, I still wonder if I’m giving or contributing enough.”
A senior majoring in communications, she quickly became involved on campus, joining Delta Phi Epsilon, Blueprints Leadership Program and helping at the CiVIC. Angela currently serves as the Alternative Spring Break coordinator, where she trains and leads students to work on weeklong social justice issues in communities nationwide.
Off campus, she stays active in her community. Angela participated in a program to reduce vehicle break-ins in the downtown Detroit area. She also is a middle school cheerleading coach, where she leads students through summer camps, competition and football season.
“I taught them core values, trained them physically and managed their fundraising,” she said.
And she’s always ready to promote the city she loves. During her internship with Ford Field, she was able to lead the ACC team during the Quick Lane Bowl game.
“I was given the opportunity to share my love and passion for Detroit with the University of North Carolina,” she said. “In my personal life, on and off campus, I act as a leader motivating others to reach whatever it is they want, helping others in anyway I can and always, always promoting the city.”
“She is a leader in her own stride and is a role model for others to follow,” said Reetha.
No matter where her service activities take her, Angela hasn’t lost sight of the big picture. She earned a spot on the Dean’s List for her academic performance. She also participated in the study abroad program, gaining new skills while in Italy.
Less than one month from graduation, Angela has big plans for her future.
“I would love to have the opportunity to assist an organization and its team members in community involvement or volunteerism in the city that I love,” she said.