Member of the Month: Melissa Van Omen

Written by Danielle Snow. ​Danielle is a second-year sophomore studying Sociology and Gender and Women’s Studies. She is our chapter's Public Relations Chairperson and the Co-President and Co-Founder of the WMU RSO FemiNOW.​

Sophomore and Occupational Therapy major, Melissa Van Omen is our Alpha Lambda Delta member of the month. She has been a member of Alpha Lambda Delta since the spring of 2015 and has been a wonderful member ever since.
“I chose to join ALD because it seemed like a great way to get more connected within Western's and Kalamazoo's community,” Melissa said. “And obviously, meet new people.”
Our organization has many goals we strive to achieve each year. Some of those having to do with holding volunteer events, developing meaningful connections and bettering our members’ academic lives. All of which have been the big reasons for Melissa’s invitation acceptance. “I've been introduced to many new experiences that have helped me foster a better professional, and sometimes personal, skill set,” said Melissa. “Of course, the community of ALD is very welcoming and I have meet many friends through ALD events and volunteer opportunities.”
Although Melissa has helped out with many ALD events over the last couple of months her favorite was the 2015 Senior Prom. “I had the opportunity to volunteer as a greeter for guests and help direct them. It was seriously so much fun! It honestly didn't even feel like working/volunteering. I was able to hear so many amazing stories from so many couples and information about more opportunities to get involved in the elderly community in Kalamazoo. Many couples shared their stories about their love for one another, which was incredibly heartwarming, and stories about their lives and the struggles they've gone through, which was very eye opening. It was great to see and meet so many genuinely nice and excited members from the community,” said Melissa.
​Although Melissa does a lot with ALD, it’s not her only responsibility. She is also a member of the Lee Honors College, a volunteer with the Gibbs House, an attendant of Cru and an RA on Western’s campus! Thank you so much, Melissa and congratulations on this recognition!