When Melissa “Mel” Wrona enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College in the fall of 2023, she knew she made the right choice with her major. She was also eager to find leadership opportunities and discovered an ideal fit – the College's Presidential Ambassador program.
The Business Administration major is among five students serving as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year. Being an ambassador is more than a title. It’s a commitment to support the College for 10 months, volunteering at events and various campus activities. Plus, each student receives a $1,200 incentive and the invaluable opportunity to be mentored by VPCC leaders.
A Detroit, Mich. native, Wrona graduated high school in 2017 as a homeschooled student and is now pursuing an Associate of Science degree. Here, the Williamsburg resident, who balances a schedule that includes three part-time jobs, discusses her higher education quest.
Why did you choose business administration? I enrolled at VPCC in the Liberal Arts program, intending to go into Political Science. But discovered I have an aptitude for mathematics, so I became a business administration major so that I could complete my bachelor’s degree in economics.
Do you participate in any clubs or organizations at VPCC or in your community? I was speaker of the senate in the Student Government Association during the spring 2024 term but, I stepped down to focus on being a good student, Presidential Ambassador, and Peer Tutor. I am also a TRiO student.
What are the benefits of engaging in college clubs and student organizations? TRiO helps me tremendously. It’s like a second family and I always have somewhere to do my homework and engage with a supportive community. My student jobs have also greatly enriched my experience and allowed me to discover my strengths.
Are there VPCC faculty or staff members you want to cite for influencing and inspiring you? I will always be grateful to my math professor, (Amy) Schmidt, who taught me that I’m actually good at math and that being different is a strength, not a weakness. My TRiO advisors, Natasha (Woods) and LaRai (Petway), along with Jaye (Jannette Lattorre) and Dr. D. (Monette Dutch), our previous TRiO director, have all been endlessly supportive of me and my goals. I have also gained so much help, insight, and inspiration from Dr. B. (President Brannon), JJ Bonavita, Steven Felker and all of the vice presidents of our college, and Liz (Rizzatto) our peer tutor coordinator, who teaches us all to embrace our uniqueness.
Who in your family do you want to acknowledge? I thank my parents for their support and financial contribution to my education. I also have to thank my mom-friend, Mande, who is my source of unconditional love, support, and stability which is how I can balance my crazy schedule and stay on track.
What are your academic and career goals? I will transfer to William & Mary in the fall of 2025, and from there I will decide whether I need my master's degree. I will look into federal intelligence careers with organizations such as the FBI and CIA which seem to fit well with my strong analytical skills.