WHO SHE IS
Admissions Associate, Graduate School of Social Service

Photo by Joseph McLaughlin

TIME AT FORDHAM
Five years

WHAT SHE DOES
Melinda is part of a committee that reviews applications for admission to GSS, which receives anywhere from 1,800 to 2,000 each year. She also interviews applicants, recruits at undergraduate colleges and assists at information sessions.

GOOD APPLICATIONS
“One of the most important parts of the application is the three- to five-page personal statement describing why the person is interested in social work. Grammar is very important. GPA, as well as the three letters of recommendation, are also key.”

YES YOU CAN
“I love to present opportunities to students, to tell them, ‘Yes, you can do this. Yes, I have been where you are.’ It’s a great feeling when students leave my office and aren’t so scared about approaching graduate school.”

WHY FORDHAM?
“Fordham has such a great atmosphere. With all of the flyers hanging on the walls, there are so many events to catch your interest and groups to join. That’s what I love. I’m also getting my master’s in adult education and human resource development at GSE. I feel like I belong in a school, and I wouldn’t have known that had I not come to Fordham.”

BEDROCK DIVERSITY
“The social work school is great because it attracts students with a wide range of backgrounds—people in their 20s, 30s, 40s—we even have a 70-year-old in the program. Some come to it after they’ve had long careers somewhere else, and some join who are just out of college.”

LIFELONG LEARNING
“Lifelong learning is a concept that is growing. People are returning to school at all ages. In today’s world, you can not stop learning, because if you do, you’re in trouble.”

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
“I was recently married in Hawaii, right on the beach. It’s my favorite place in the world. The spirit of the place really changes you. I try to stay active as much as possible, and love to play tennis. I also volunteer with New York Cares.”