From BBA graduate to State Senator’s Office to Plaza College employee

An interview by Daisy Hernandez and Roberto Valle Mojica, with an introduction by Jonathan Howle, Director of Alumni Relations

 

It seems like only yesterday when Richard Melara began his first semester at Plaza College. Since the winter of 2008, Mr. Melara has become one of Plaza’s brightest stars. He graduated with his Associate’s in June of 2009. At the Graduation Recognition Ceremony that spring, he was honored with the Leadership Award, the recipient of which is selected by the entire facult,. He was then accepted into the BBA program.

While in the BBA program, Mr. Melara has been an active member in both honor societies, and this past fall, he made Plaza history by being selected as the “Honor Society Member of the Year.” He was chosen due to his unending dedication to both ASL and SKD. He has helped coordinate all the honor societies’ events, from the Haiti Relief Initiative to the Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser and American Cancer Society Walk.

In the summer of 2008, Mr. Melara lost his mother to Breast Cancer, which has made him a tireless advocate and has inspired many around him to be activists. Every day, he continues to make his mother proud of the extraordinary person he has become.

Then, recently Mr. Melara (along with Elizabeth Rodriguez) was chosen to be an intern with New York State Senator Jose Peralta. It is a prestigious position that is giving both students invaluable experience. In December, Mr. Melara completed the BBA program and was hired to continue to be a part of Plaza’s staff, most visibly as computer support specialist to several professors.

Mr. Melara spoke to the staff of Seasons about his life, his experience at Plaza, and his work with Sen. Peralta.

Elizabeth Rodrigues (l.) and Richard Melara (r.) pose with Senator Peralta’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Yonel Letellier.

What made you want to attend Plaza College? 
I wanted to have a better life for myself and to have a great job that I love, and I know that you need a college degree to achieve that.

What were you doing prior to enrolling in Plaza College? 
I was looking for a job in order to help my step-father.

First memory of Plaza College:
My first memory of Plaza was when I first came to orientation and listened to the stories of other former and current students at Plaza. their stories were relatable to me and they were also comforting.

Funniest thing that happened to you at Plaza: 
When I first came here to apply for the school, I thought that the Bruson building was where you sign up; I thought the school was somewhere else.

The key to your success at Plaza so far:  
The key to my success so far was being able to get all my work done without wasting any time.  

What persuades you to do your best at Plaza College?
What persuades me to do my best is thinking about my mother and what she wanted me to do and accomplish, and that’s to finish college.

Use one word to describe yourself:
Kind.

How do you spend your spare time away from Plaza College?
I like to go to the movies, play some video games, and be with my family.

What is your advice for new students attending Plaza?
To never waste time, think about what they want to accomplish, and for whom they would want to accomplish that.

What is your most important goal in life right now?
My goal is to have a great job and to have a family of my own.

What would you say to students who are considering attending Plaza? 
I will tell them to join this school because they will not be left out, no matter what. Help is always available whenever they need it.

Finish this sentence: To me, Plaza College is:
A great school to attend. It has become like a second home to me. I have met great teachers, and I’ve met some great people.

If you could trade places with any other teacher or faculty from Plaza for a week, whom would it be?
I would trade places with Mr. Howle because I can compare myself to him, he likes to have fun and is a very helpful person. I always like to help people when they need it.

How would you explain a research database in 3 sentences to a freshman?
I would say that it is a useful tool to find resources that are reliable. Don’t just go for the first thing you see on the internet and use reliable sources for your work. Last always make sure that you give the author credit and never plagiarize.

 What are the advantages of Plaza?
The advantages are that teachers are always there to help you in any way that they can. Another advantage is that the school is small so you will be able to meet new people and make new friends easily.

If someone wrote a biography of you, what do you think the title should be?
Richard Melara:  The Man with a Kind Heart

Describe the interview for the internship in Senator Peralta’s office.  
The interview went well. I was asked questions about my skills and what I know about politics.

What are your responsibilities?
My responsibilities have included making copies, scanning some files to an employee’s e-mail, and researching newspapers to see if the senator is mentioned in any of them.

What has been the most memorable part of working in this position so far? 

The most memorable part I would have to say is going to the book fair and meeting lots of great people. I look forward to more memorable moments.

What have you learned about politics and the political climate in NYC? 
I learned that it can be a very busy environment, and everyone has to work together. We have to help people when they have questions and do our job to make sure that everyone sees how great the senator is.

Which classes/experiences at Plaza have prepared you best for this opportunity? 
Basically the Microsoft programs I have learned at Plaza, such as Word, and Excel. I have just recently started at the Senator’s office, but I look forward to doing more things at this internship and meeting new people.