Blake Melchert '22
What was your favorite moment with a faculty or staff member?
While I was studying abroad in Munich, Germany, I remember going out to eat with one of my professors who was in Munich for a business trip. The restaurant had one of those historical backgrounds on the menu, and I read it with ease… [and] We both started laughing about…how far I had gotten in learning the language without even realizing it.
What or whom was your favorite class or professor? Why?
My favorite professor by far was Dr. Michael Shaughnessy. He was an enthusiastic and energetic professor, but is also a close personal friend. He pushed me to learn in ways I have never had another professor or instructor do. He also made it fun and helped me become more passionate about German again.
What was your favorite moment with a faculty or staff member?
While I was studying abroad in Munich, Germany, I remember going out to eat with one of my professors who was in Munich for a business trip. The restaurant had one of those historical backgrounds on the menu, and I read it with ease, so I thought it was written in English. It was only a few minutes later, after I referenced something in it, that I realized the menu was not in English. We both started laughing about my confusion and how far I had gotten in learning the language without even realizing it.
What are you most proud of doing while at W&J?
I am most proud of going abroad to study in Munich, Germany--not because of the program, or how immensely difficult it was, but because it provided me the opportunity to make more lifelong friends than I ever thought possible. I am very proud and happy knowing that I have friends in many Euro-Asian countries.
What advice would you give to incoming or prospective students?
If you have an interest in anything, look into it. It took years to find all of the places I fit in and people I wanted to be around. Do not wait for the campus or office members to do things for your, do it for yourself. You'll feel a lot better about being where you are.
