Melissa Major

Sherbrooke, QC
CEGEP Champlain Lennoxville
Bachelor of Arts Honours Applied Psychology and Major Fine Arts
Class of 2019

I have an eclectic mix of interests. I play the ukulele, I box, do Mixed Martial Arts, I’m involved in my community, I’m an artist, and I’m a researcher and scientist. Yet, despite this varied mix of interests, I’ve never felt more at home than when I am part of the Bishop’s community.

I’m also a one-on-one kind of person. Everyone who knows me knows I am passionate about communication, hard work, and most of all: community. I can be found at the local coffee shop, on almost any given weekend meeting up with colleagues, professors, youth group kids, fellow students, and just about anyone who is up for a good conversation, or to confide in me after a long day. I have a difficult time walking the halls of Bishop’s University from one class to another without stopping to greet several people I have gotten to know in the various clubs, classes, and events I have been involved with. I am proud to be an artist and a scientist who excels in both of her two majors (Fine Arts and Applied Psychology) here at Bishop’s University. My friends and professors know me as an innovative, bubbly, and creative person. My love for people shows through in my exhaustive list of volunteer hours, extensive photography portfolio, research involvement, drawings, sculptures, paintings, creative writing, costume design, and music. I enjoy using my art to change minds, and make a difference. My latest sculpture was entitled ‘#MeToo’ and was created to raise awareness for sexual assault victims. I enjoy offering my photography skills to families and community members who are looking to capture that special moment or occasion. I also find peace in broaching tough topics through watercolor painting, in efforts to reduce mental illness stigma.

I feel that Bishop’s University has accommodated me in all of my complexity and uniqueness. Many times, I have arrived home and said aloud “I am so thankful for Bishop’s University.” I have sat in offices of professors who have become dear friends of mine in tears, because I was so touched by the support, and amount of time they were able to give me in this small and warm community environment. At the risk of sounding disingenuous, I must say, I have never felt such a connection to a school. After years of being successful yet disengaged in high school and post-secondary education, feeling like my passion for seemingly irreconcilable disciplines was misunderstood, I have the sense that I am finally where I was always supposed to belong. At Bishop’s University, I feel understood, accepted, motivated, and valued. It is my honour to say, I #BleedPurple, and always will.