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Melanie Mitchell

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Bio

In April of 2020, I was suddenly diagnosed with Stage 3a Ovarian Cancer. Life deviated from semi-normalcy to undergoing surgery, procedures, and chemotherapy. Despite these tolls, I persevered with my school year. I completed my 18-credit semester and made the Dean’s list. I finished treatment in August and decided to withdraw from school to focus on recovery. As someone with goals of being a screenwriter and showrunner, I aim to master writing and deliver a new screen excitement. Being an African-American woman and member of the LGBT community, I understand the importance of representation. The industry has made efforts, but representation for the disabled community has many ways to go. This inspired me to persevere through my hardships and make the change I want to see. My previous school met some of my needs, but I wanted to be pushed more intellectually and creatively. This motivated me to apply as a transfer to New York University. It was an honor to be accepted to their Tisch School of the Arts for Dramatic Writing, and I’m excited to attend this fall. Though I’ve been accepted, NYU does not offer financial aid to transfers. This leaves me with an excess amount of tuition. Any scholarship support would ease the financial barrier and help me focus on being the best student I can be. Given everything I went through last year, I don’t want to miss out on my education due to financial reasons. Beyond this, the medical bills from last year created an additional financial challenge for my family. My main objective is to continue my education and pursue my dreams!

Education

New York University

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Ithaca College

Bachelor's degree program
2019 - 2020
  • Majors:
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Motion Pictures and Film

    • Dream career goals:

      Screenwriter

    • Writer/Director

      A Seat at the Table Short Film
      2019 – 2019
    • Production Assistant

      The Walking Dead
      2019 – 2019

    Sports

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2014 – 20173 years

    Awards

    • MVP
    • Most Improved Player
    • Team Spirit Award

    Research

    • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management

      Wildwood Marina — Assistant to the Manager
      2018 – 2018

    Arts

    • High School Drama Club

      Theatre
      Arsenic and Old Lace
      2017 – 2018

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Nursing Homes — Pianist
      2017 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      The Cleveland Foodbank — Packer/Food Sorter
      2015 – 2019

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship