Introduction

Some of you may be curious as to where the name Mulen comes from considering my name is Melanie. Mulen was the Chinese name my great grandmother gave to me when I was born. In fact, many times my grandmother will only call me by my Chinese name. Mulen...it has a nice ring to it.

I am in my final year at Colorado State University pursuing a degree in Technical Journalism concentrating in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration. In the summer of 2006 I was an intern at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colo., in the Global Product Development Department, offering me the opportunity to write press releases for upcoming products as well as compile reports for current book authors. I am also the former Panhellenic President at Colorado State University, the largest women's organization on campus. This position enabled me to have articles written and published for The Collegian as well as College Ave.

Born in La Mirada, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles, I grew up a California girl until the age of six, then my entire family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. I resided in Colorado Springs until I came to Fort Collins to attend school. However, from January-August 2007 I was given the unique opportunity to move to Orlando and participate in the Walt Disney World College Program.

While on the topic of Disney, I will admit I grew up with and always will be a Disney theme park fanatic. I had the opportunity to be an entertainer for Walt Disney World, and while I will preserve the magic and not tell you what my role was, I will give you a hint...I am a HUGE Disney Princess fanatic. Living in Florida and creating the magic for guests around the world every day was a once in a lifetime opportunity I will never forget and will cherish forever. Still a seasonal cast member with the company, I am hoping to continue to work at Walt Disney World during the holiday season. I know working for Disney made my dreams come true, and I want to continue to make memories for people that will last them a lifetime.

With graduation looming in just nine short months, I reflect on how college has shaped who I am today. I am an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, which is how I became the Panhellenic President. Through this experience I now have sparked an interest in Student Affairs as a profession. Graduate school may be in the future ahead... The REC Center has become my second home, but mostly because I am an avid baker and can hardly resist frequent visits to Cold Stone Creamery! I always wanted to attend culinary school growing up, in fact I was often nicknamed Betty Crocker and Martha Stewart, but I find baking my hobby, not my profession. I find joy in the simple pleasures of life, and I know every person I have encountered in the past three years of college has helped shape me into the person I am today.

I am looking forward to my last year of college...the memories, the mistakes, the growth, and of course, the job searching. These are all areas to look forward to as I embark on a great future ahead!