user profile avatar

Melanie Mitchell

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Piano
  • Electric Guitar
  • Guitar
  • Philosophy

Reading

  • Self-Help

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

In April of 2020, I was suddenly diagnosed with Stage 3a Ovarian Cancer. Life deviated from semi-normalcy to undergoing surgery, procedures, and chemotherapy. Despite these tolls, I persevered with my school year. I completed my 18-credit semester and made the Dean’s list. I finished treatment in August and decided to withdraw from school to focus on recovery. As someone with goals of being a screenwriter and showrunner, I aim to master writing and deliver a new screen excitement. Being an African-American woman and member of the LGBT community, I understand the importance of representation. The industry has made efforts, but representation for the disabled community has many ways to go. This inspired me to persevere through my hardships and make the change I want to see. My previous school met some of my needs, but I wanted to be pushed more intellectually and creatively. This motivated me to apply as a transfer to New York University. It was an honor to be accepted to their Tisch School of the Arts for Dramatic Writing, and I’m excited to attend this fall. Though I’ve been accepted, NYU does not offer financial aid to transfers. This leaves me with an excess amount of tuition. Any scholarship support would ease the financial barrier and help me focus on being the best student I can be. Given everything I went through last year, I don’t want to miss out on my education due to financial reasons. Beyond this, the medical bills from last year created an additional financial challenge for my family. My main objective is to continue my education and pursue my dreams!

Education

New York University

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2024

Majors:
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Ithaca College

Bachelor's degree program

2019 – 2020

Majors:
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Career

  • Writer/Director

    Production · A Seat at the Table Short Film

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

  • Production Assistant

    Television · The Walking Dead

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Motion Pictures and Film
Dream career goals:
Screenwriter
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Melanie Mitchell Student Profile | Bold.org