Riley Mellett
Riley is a Junior Double Majoring in Public Policy Leadership and Southern Studies. In addition to her role as a Lott Institute Ambassador, she serves as a College of Liberal Arts Ambassador, Tri Delta New Member Team, Ole Miss Big Event Project Leader, and a PineLake Church member. She is a Doris Raymond Scholar through the Sally M. Barksdale Honors College and is a member of the Ole Miss Undergraduate Law Society. She currently works as a runner at Swayze Alford Law.
Why did you choose to apply to the Lott Leadership Institute?
I chose to apply to the Lott Leadership Institute because it offers incredible opportunities to excel both in and out of the classroom. Most importantly, the program provides a true sense of community, bringing together peers from diverse backgrounds who challenge and inspire me. I was especially drawn to the chance to build personal connections with professors who genuinely invest in their students. This blend of academic rigor, mentorship, and supportive relationships made PPL the perfect fit for me.
I chose to apply to the Lott Leadership Institute because it offers incredible opportunities to excel both in and out of the classroom. Most importantly, the program provides a true sense of community, bringing together peers from diverse backgrounds who challenge and inspire me. I was especially drawn to the chance to build personal connections with professors who genuinely invest in their students. This blend of academic rigor, mentorship, and supportive relationships made PPL the perfect fit for me.
What are your career aspirations?
I am studying to become an advocacy lawyer for children with disabilities. My goal is to ensure that every child has equal access to education, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. I hope to work directly with families and policymakers to protect the rights of children and promote inclusive practices. I aspire to be a strong voice for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
I am studying to become an advocacy lawyer for children with disabilities. My goal is to ensure that every child has equal access to education, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. I hope to work directly with families and policymakers to protect the rights of children and promote inclusive practices. I aspire to be a strong voice for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Liu has been particularly helpful to me during my time in the PPL program. She is incredibly kind and always willing to take the time to help students, whether it’s clarifying course material or offering guidance on projects. Her approachable nature and genuine care for her students make her a valuable mentor and an inspiring professor.
Dr. Liu has been particularly helpful to me during my time in the PPL program. She is incredibly kind and always willing to take the time to help students, whether it’s clarifying course material or offering guidance on projects. Her approachable nature and genuine care for her students make her a valuable mentor and an inspiring professor.
What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?
Through serving as a Project Leader for the Big Event, I was able to work alongside my peers to help community members who needed some extra support, whether through yard work, repairs, or other service projects. This experience allowed me to see firsthand the impact that teamwork and dedication can have on others’ lives. It also reinforced my interest in Public Policy, as I witnessed the importance of addressing community needs through both direct service and broader policy initiatives.
Through serving as a Project Leader for the Big Event, I was able to work alongside my peers to help community members who needed some extra support, whether through yard work, repairs, or other service projects. This experience allowed me to see firsthand the impact that teamwork and dedication can have on others’ lives. It also reinforced my interest in Public Policy, as I witnessed the importance of addressing community needs through both direct service and broader policy initiatives.