her own age. It was at Ensign that she discov- ered her love for sports, sampled various cuisines, and deepened her passion for the sciences. She remi- nisces, “If you attended Ensign, you’ll remember the sugared Ice’s from the ‘90s and lunchtimes on blacktops so scorching they could burn your shoes or your behinds.” In 2011, Melissa faced a dif- ficult moment when her father passed away, and the family bid farewell to their home on Santa Ana Avenue. In 2013, she began renting the mother-in-law bungalow on the exact property
MELISSA’S FAVORITES Restaurants •Garduno’s Risorante Italiano •Los Primos •Habana •Din Tai Fung Salsa Teachers Melissa highly recommends, Esteban Condo at Sevilla’s and Mike Zunga in Santa Ana. Local Activities •Sunset at Cliff Drive Park •Kayaking at the Newport Beach Aquatic Center and also helping the blind team. •Wine tasting at Hi-Time Wine Cellars
Melissa’s roots in Costa Mesa run deep, as her parents moved to Eastside in 1987. She fondly remembers her mother’s devotion to the Saint Joaquim Catholic Church on Orange Avenue, a tradition she continues to uphold by attending Mass. Melissa cherishes the memo- ries of walking to school in her uniform, pass- ing by nearby orange and avocado fields, and credits the people of Costa Mesa for influenc - ing her into becoming the strong woman she is today. “I have the privilege of witnessing young adults grow into healthcare professionals who step into hospitals to help those in dire need. I, too, aspire to continue my career in healthcare...” A cherished memory from her youth is the opening of the 55 Freeway entrance, where her girl scout troop had the honor of perform- ing the Pledge of Allegiance, alongside her mother, who was the troop leader. In junior high, Melissa transferred to Ensign from St. Joachim elementary, where she was pleasantly surprised by the number of children
of her childhood home. She now enjoys the sunsets of her youth, the refreshing ocean breezes, and a backyard that provides a home for her beloved tortoise, Diamond. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Melissa’s interests include salsa danc- ing. For a decade, she immersed herself in the world of Salsa and Bachata, a Dominican dance form. The dance studios became her second family, and she expresses, “Dancing is a safe place to express yourself. These danc- ers simply love to dance and share their passion with others, not unlike how I feel about teaching anatomy.” Melissa is deeply grateful to the commu- nity that supported her as a young student, enabling her to find a job and focus on her education. While her journey hasn’t been easy, she believes it has been possible thanks to the community’s backing. Her hope is to complete her doctorate and remain an inte- gral part of Eastside, alongside her cherished companion, Diamond Al Scharfe tortoise.
Sports Team Boston Celtics
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