By Renee McNamee
CCC Journalism Program
Melanie Lewis, 22, is a third-year Camden County College student. Lewis couldn’t make up her mind. She started out as an elementary education major, switched to exercise science, and then changed back to elementary education.
In the fall of 2012, Lewis plans to go to Rutgers University in Camden to receive her bachelor’s degree in childhood studies and education program. Lewis plans to be certified as a kindergarten through fifth-grade teacher. Upon graduating from Rutgers, her ideal job would be a kindergarten teacher.
“I remember when I was a little girl playing school with my friends, I was always the teacher,” said Lewis.
Lewis stated, “I’m so busy. I am constantly on the run.” Lewis’ days typically consist of school 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by babysitting her new nephew, Landon, from 2:30 to 3:30, followed by work at Super Fitness in Westmont from 4 to 11. She is an assistant manager at Super Fitness, where she works with sales as a receptionist and is in charge of monthly billing duties.
On her time off from school, work and her aunt-ly duties, she likes to relax with her family and friends. “Don’t get me wrong, I love to go out with my friends and party on a Friday or Saturday night,” she added. She also finds time to work out. “I usually wait until everyone is out of the gym after work, then I get a good run in,” said Lewis. She also enjoys going to the mountains and skiing.
As to her biggest accomplishments, she stated, “Going to college and being a four-year varsity cheerleader at Audubon High School.”
As to who her biggest influences were, she said, “My mom and dad, obviously.” She said, “They both went through struggles from being young parents. They suffered problems with alcohol and drugs, but overcame those battles and gave me a fabulous life. They give me the determination to succeed in life.”
Her parents aren’t her only influences, however. She also admires Kate Middleton because, she said, “She went from nothing to having it all.”