Student Profile: Melissa Pazornik

 

Melissa Pazornik Hometown: Baltimore, MD Class Year: 2011 Major: Sociology and Spanish Clubs / Organizations: Phi Mu, Xi Theta Chi, Relay for Life Captain

What is Classic about Roanoke College?
Walking onto Roanoke College's campus is so welcoming. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I don't think you can find that at many other schools. It is a noticeable and positive trait that Roanoke has and will continue to have.

Why did you choose Roanoke College?
I chose Roanoke College because when I came to visit the campus everyone was so welcoming and everyone made an effort to get to know me. The campus is beautiful and there are always people around.

What is your favorite aspect of college life at Roanoke? Why?
My favorite part of Roanoke College is the comradery between both the students and professors.

What was the most important thing you learned from a firsthand experience at Roanoke? (Ex. study abroad, internship, lab, research, leadership position, May Term, etc.)
Joining a Sorority has taught me so much about leadership and being noticed on campus. Sorority life has opened my eyes to many opportunities that I would not have had otherwise.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the area? Favorite places?
Dinner at Mac n Bob's is always a good time, as well as trips to Walmart and Valley View Mall.

How did you choose your major?
I switched my major to Sociology after taking Sociology 101 and realizing that the social problems that occur in this world really fascinate me and I wanted to learn more about them.

How have you benefitted from a close relationship with a professor, staff member or friend?
I have excelled academically through close relationships with my professors. I believe this comes from the fact that Roanoke College is a small school and our professors want to be here and they want to teach us. This is noticeable both inside and outside the classroom.

What have you done that has been the most fun at Roanoke?
Relay for Life in the Spring of 2008 was a blast. Having the majority of the school participate in an event that is for such an important cause was amazing. Despite being tired, everyone stuck it out the whole twelve hours and gave back to the community!

What is your advice for future freshmen entering Roanoke College?
Go in with an open mind. Roanoke is so much fun, but at the same time, it is school. Go to classes, do your work. Yes, we have fun here, but we are here for school.

What is your favorite thing about campus?
My favorite thing about campus is definately how friendly and close everyone is. When walking to class or across campus, everyone says hi to you even if you don't know them.