BHC Spotlight: Melina Cabral
Melina is from Seekonk, Massachusetts and studies Business with a certificate in Supply Chain Management. Her fondest memory as a member of the Batten Honors College is studying abroad in Murcia, Spain at the Universidad de Murcia. This experience enabled her to gain a broader world view and establish a sense of what it means to be a global citizen.
What is your favorite BHC-related memory?
My favorite memory was studying abroad for a semester at the Universidad de Murcia in Murcia, Spain. Because BHC has a study-away requirement, it allows students to take advantage of immersive learning. Being able to study abroad in Spain was a fantastic experience that I will never forget, it not only challenged me academically, but it helped me gain a new sense of independence and allowed me to understand how many possibilities and opportunities there are for me outside of the U.S.
What is your most significant takeaway from being a member of the Batten Honors College?
I think my most significant takeaway from being a member of the Batten Honors College was gaining a new sense of independence. Living in a townhouse taught me new responsibilities of living on my own and in a house that isn't the one I'd grown up in. I learned how to cook for myself, how important cleaning is, and of course, how to be okay with being on your own. Living on your own in a house with people you have just met puts you in new situations where you have to adapt to and figure out solutions to problems you never had to deal with. It forces you to learn how to be an adult and prepares you for what comes after college. This was a major takeaway for me and I've been able to utilize it in almost any aspect or situation in my life.
What is the most prominent skill that you have gained as a BHC student?
One prominent skill I've gained since being a BHC student is time management. Over the years as a BHC student, I've had to learn how to utilize time management in regards to balancing a social life, meeting the BHC requirements (volunteering, meetings, etc), my education, my extracurriculars, as well as my expansive learning opportunities. It's taken me a while to master this skill but I can confidently say I use it on a daily basis now.
What advice would you offer to future Batten Honors College students?
One piece of advice I would offer to future BHC students is to say yes to every opportunity that comes their way. Don't limit yourself to one friend group, one club, or even one elective. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible, and you'll find yourself growing as a person through taking risks and getting outside of your comfort zone. You'll learn new things about the world and yourself through trying new things you usually wouldn't. Possibilities are endless at VWU, so it's important to make sure you don't rule out any path for yourself because you never know where they'll take you.
Campus Involvement:
- Off The Hook (student activities)
- Alpha Sigma Alpha
- Sigma Beta Delta
- NSLS
- Latino Student Alliance
- Student Government Association
- RA for ResLife.
Awards, recognitions, and/or conference presentations:
- Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Alpha Sigma Alpha Hermes Society
- Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Recipient
- Off the Hook Service and Organization Student Leadership Award
What are your future goals after graduation?
My goals for after graduation include receiving my MBA with a focus in international business, and getting a job within my field that will allow me the financial freedom to move to Europe and travel some more before settling down and starting a business.