Melanie Lytell is graduating with Full University Honors and degrees in Economics and Statistics.
“If you had asked me at the beginning of college what the Honors Program would mean to me, I
probably would have given you a very practical answer, challenging classes, good opportunities,
and something that would look nice on a résumé.
And while that’s not wrong, it’s definitely not the full picture.
What I didn’t expect was how much this program would push me to actually step into those
opportunities, even when I wasn’t completely sure I was ready for them.
Through Honors, I’ve been able to do things I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, getting
involved in research as a freshman, participating in job simulations, volunteering at events like
STEM Fest, and being on the Honors Committee. On paper, those are just experiences. But for
me, they were moments where I had to decide to show up, try something new, and trust that I
could figure it out.
And honestly, I didn’t always feel confident going into those things.
There were plenty of times where I felt unsure, or like I didn’t fully know what I was doing. But
I’ve realized that’s kind of the point. Honors isn’t about already having everything figured out,
it’s about being willing to try anyway.
And a big reason I was able to do that was because of the people.
Being surrounded by peers who are motivated, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive makes a
difference. It pushes you to do more, but not in a competitive way, in a way where you actually
want to grow. Some of the most meaningful parts of this experience weren’t the big
achievements, but the smaller moments, talking before class, helping each other through stressful
weeks, or just realizing that everyone else is figuring things out too.
I’ve also had mentors who made this experience feel a lot more personal. Professors who took
the time to challenge my thinking, encourage my ideas, and remind me of what I’m capable of,
even when I doubted it myself.
Looking back, the Honors Program wasn’t just about academics or checking requirements. It was
about learning how to take advantage of opportunities, even when they feel a little
uncomfortable.
It taught me to be more confident, not because I always know what I’m doing, but because I trust
that I can figure it out.
And that’s what I’ll carry with me.
Not just the experiences themselves, but the mindset behind them. Being willing to say yes.
Being willing to try. And being okay with not having everything perfectly figured out.
As we move forward, I think that’s what matters most. Because there are always going to be new
opportunities, new challenges, and new unknowns.
But now, I feel a lot more ready to step into them.
And I’m really grateful for that.”
