Melissa transferred to Evergreen this September after attending Whitman and The College of Idaho. Before the school year had even started, our mutual friend Aly, connected us over Facebook messenger. So before classes had started, we were well on our way to becoming good friends.

Melissa is a special person who is soft-hearted, ready to learn new things the world has to offer, and change in response to it. I have enjoyed how fully she has been folded into our community here in Olympia because of her intentionality to meet with people and get to know them deeply.

I have been encouraged by her relationship with God and hearing her story about how she was gifted freedom from depression through her relationship with God. Her love for worship and deep connection to God through nature is beautiful to see.

We have had many conversations looking ahead to becoming teachers and I am so excited for all the students that will have Melissa as a teacher. She is a protector, deep listener, advocate, and always ready to laugh.

Here’s to you Melissa! Congratulations on graduating and I am looking forward to your next year of growth and wellness.