Melissa Lane Shares Her Transforming Story
Melissa Lane of Knightdale is a 23-year-old traditional student at University of Mount Olive studying criminal justice. She transferred to the College her sophomore year.
At the age of 2, Lane was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1, which is a disorder that causes tumors to grow both on top of and underneath the skin, causing serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues. It also affects her learning abilities. “The disease makes me work twice as hard as other students just to be on the same level.” Lane did not let her disability affect her education even though she experiences constant pain. “I have been determined to finish college,” she shared.
Lane’s desire to earn her degree was a goal she set not only for herself, but also as a way to show appreciation to her mother. “I love my mother and will do anything for her; she has always been there for me. I will be the first one in my entire family to graduate College. When I first entered college, that thought scared me, and I was not sure I would make it. However, I was determined to finish school and not only make my mother proud, but myself as well. I love my mom; without her I don’t know where I would be today.”
On May 4, 2013 Lane’s dream of a college education will become a reality. “MOC has provided me with the chance I never thought I would have – a chance to pursue my education. I love the small campus and small town feel. It has provided me with the education so that I can have a successful career.”
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lane plans to pursue a career in immigration.
University of Mount Olive will graduate approximately 360 students at its 59th spring commencement on Saturday, May 4th. Graduation exercises are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena.
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.