Melody Rodriguez Capellan, from Worcester, MA, is a junior majoring in Business Administration and Communications with minors in Latin American & LatinX Studies and Economics. Mel is a campus tour guide, Zeemee influencer, participant in the Leadership Circles Programs, and owner of Mel’s Bakery.
Melody Rodriguez-Capellan
How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus? I got involved in campus life at Club Kickoff my freshman year. I joined the Cheer Team alongside other clubs on campus. Into my second semester as a first-year student, my professor extended the invitation to become an Orientation Leader. This was the start to many of my leadership roles on and off campus. From that role, I have been a tour guide, a Zeemee Influencer, a peer mentor with the first-year seminar program, and volunteer for campus events.
My advice to students who have yet found their “people/place” is do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether that means asking someone to join them eating lunch, joining a club’s weekly meeting, or apply for a role on campus, all of these actions open doors to endless opportunities.
How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change? When I first came to Worcester State University, I believed that leadership meant having the right answers and doing everything well. Starting college at sixteen made me feel as if I had something to prove, and I focused on being prepared. However, this mindset made me realize that leadership is not about standing out; it is about standing with others. I learned quickly that instead of leading by control, I lead by example and encouragement. It is not about being the strongest voice in the room; it is all about making sure everyone else feels confident using their voice.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? The biggest lesson I have learned about leadership is that is leadership is not always the definition you find in the dictionary. Leadership is truly about how you show up in different roles and for different people. It is not about the highest position you hold, or the authority you have over others, but about supporting those around you, creating spaces where people feel welcomed and heard, and being a meaningful part of a team.
What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU? One of my best experiences at Worcester State University so far has been speaking up at the Fall 2025 Open House, not once, but twice. Both times, I was able to show my involvement across campus, my personal journey, and how Worcester State University has positively impacted my growth in both my professional and personal life. This was meaningful to me, as not only was I able to represent the university but also inspire prospective students the endless opportunities each student can have across campus.
What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become? My advice to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader/ person they want to become is to get involved and say yes to the opportunities offered on campus. Apply for leadership programs, attend workshops and step into the leadership roles, even when you do not feel 100% ready. Every opportunity is an open door to experiences that shape your growth and impact on and off campus.
What are your current plans for the next few years? My plans after graduation are to launch a brick-and-mortar location for Mel’s Bakery, a fast-casual dessert concept designed for customers looking to grab high-quality sweet treats late at night. The first location will serve as the foundation for building a both recognizable and trusted brand. As Mel’s Bakery grows, I plan to expand into multiple locations and eventually franchise the business, allowing the brand to reach new communities and develop into a global dessert destination for all to enjoy.
