Melanie Scheiblein Email & Phone Number

I am currently attending Southern Illinois University and I intend to graduate in May 2023. I am studying exercise science with intention of attending graduate school to become an occupational therapist. I am a part of the swim team at SIU where I have learned about the importance of discipline, respect, time management, communication, and diversity. Participation in this athletic program has strengthened these core skills and will be very valuable in the workplace. In the Fall of 2022, I was selected to participate in the Leadership Development Program. This extracurricular class is made up of a small group of students who are dedicating themselves to becoming better leaders. I read The Student Leadership Challenge book, completed the corresponding workbook, and participated in weekly meetings and discussions with other participants about what it means to be a leader and how I can start to employ those skills in my life. I am very thankful for this opportunity and it has impacted my communication and leadership skills tremendously.For the past four years, my summer break has consisted of lots of time spent at the pool. I was asked to coach the summer park district swim team that I grew up swimming for. At first, coaching and interacting with all these young athletes seemed like a daunting task, but this is where I truly found my voice and my passion. I love helping others through their struggles, whether that be in the pool, friendship struggles, daily life struggles, etc. Many of the young athletes I coached at the beginning of this job have grown up into teenagers now, and we often look back, recounting the memories and learning moments we had together. Seeing the impact that I have had on those lives was so heart-warming and I want to continue that through my career as an occupational therapist. I am so grateful for these opportunities and experiences that I have had in my life so far, and I am beyond excited to apply all the skills I have learned.

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  Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

  Occupational Therapy/Therapist