Davis finds inspiration in her child to complete her degree

For Melissa Davis, the road to graduation has had more than a few detours but her baby girl inspired her to never lose sight of her dream. 

?When you look at your child and you see the future, you have to give them inspiration,? Davis explains. ?She?s my rock.

Davis, a native of Philadelphia, began her academic career at Penn State Berks in 2007, and after completing her first year, she found that she was expecting a child. She took some time off and returned in 2010 but issues with her financial aid put her academic studies on hold again until 2014.

Despite these setbacks, Davis made quite an impact on the college and the Professional Writing degree program in particular. She served as editor of Shadow of Birds, a student literary magazine that features creative writing and artwork, and helped to coordinate its inaugural event. She also coordinated coffeehouse events within the Professional Writing degree as part of her internship.

Davis comments that she enjoys creative writing and she received awards for her original one-act plays that she wrote for the college Theatre Department?s One-Act Play Festival in both 2008 and 2012. She also contributed articles to Berks Beat, a news and lifestyle magazine published by Penn State Berks students. In addition, she worked as a Peer Writing Tutor in the college?s Writing Center.

When asked what she plans to do after she graduates, Davis replies that she would like to become a medical writer. During the breaks in her academic career, she worked as an EMT in Philadelphia, and this career would combine her love of writing and helping others.

?Penn State Berks has prepared me with skills in life that will help me in any job,? states Davis. ?It?s a community of people who inspired me to never give up.?

She adds that she couldn?t have realized her dream of earning her degree without the support and encouragement of the faculty and staff at Penn State Berks.

Davis will officially complete her degree over the summer session.