One of the things Melanie Winzenburg B’24 loved most about her time at Saint Mary’s were all of the opportunities that are available if you just say “yes.”
She advises students, “Don’t be afraid to say no, but also don’t forget to say yes. You are at a new place, with an infinite amount of opportunities to grow and develop. Do not take for granted the chances to lead, create, and connect,” she said.
Winzenburg, from Blooming Prairie, Minn., said “yes” to so many experiences these past four years.
“I tried to dip my toes into each and every experience Saint Mary’s could give me,” she said. “I worked two jobs on campus as a resident assistant and a peer tutor. I was involved in Future Health Professionals, a great resource for those entering the healthcare profession. I also served on Student Senate as a class officer.”
There’s no doubt music was a huge part of her collegiate experience, as she participated in concert choir, pep band, and liturgical choir, as well as was chosen as the female lead in the spring musical. She also worked with and led the women’s music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota; helped with planning, leading, and performing in the annual variety show, Fireside; and voluntarily played piano in local nursing homes.
All this and she hopes to help cure cancer one day as well. Winzenburg studied Biology Health Sciences in the Accelerated Physician Assistant program in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. As a P.A., she hopes to work in pediatric oncology and be part of a team helping to find a cure for cancer.
“I think Saint Mary’s had an invaluable impact on my future,” she said, adding her appreciation for everyone’s commitment to student success. “I enjoyed being able to learn from such dedicated and brilliant minds, with a shared passion for learning, science, and community. Directly, there were countless opportunities for career development and networking. Indirectly, there were also countless opportunities for personal development and skills that you will use not only in your career, but your life.”
Her dad tells her the perfect “Mel College” exists. “It was everything I wanted from a college experience,” she said. “It gave me community, an exceptional education, a deeper reflection into my faith, and some of my closest friends (or really, family). I will always look back fondly on my time at Saint Mary’s.”
