How Familiarity and Financial Support Drew Melody Peña to Miami Dade College

Tell us a little about yourself:

I was born and raised in Miami by immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and I plan to attend law school. During my junior year of high school in 2020, when all classes were on Zoom due to COVID-19, U.S. history was the only class that truly held my attention and was something I looked forward to. I became fascinated with the law, how it works, and how it can be used to help others and change lives. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue the path of becoming an attorney.

What influenced your decision to attend Miami Dade College?

When I decided to attend Miami Dade College, it felt like a natural choice because I grew up in Miami and had always known it as an amazing school with incredible opportunities. My mother is an alumna, which also inspired me and made Miami Dade College feel familiar and welcoming. What really solidified my decision was being accepted into the Rising Scholars program, as they covered my tuition. From the moment I accepted, I felt like I was joining something really important that inspired and motivated me on this new journey and path I was stepping into.

Share an impactful story from your time at MDC:

One of my favorite memories ever, and an experience that continues to shape me, is my internship through the MOU partnership between Miami Dade College and the Clerk of Courts. I had the opportunity to work in the Clerk of Courts’ Mental Health Division, and as someone who loves public service, it was an experience that truly made an impact on me. I got to see the law in action from a perspective I had never experienced, working alongside judges, clerks, and court staff, attending hearings, and learning from attorneys. I absorbed everything like a sponge, and that internship not only shaped my educational journey but also opened doors for my future career. I’m so grateful to Miami Dade College for making this opportunity possible.

Are there any misconceptions around state colleges that you would like to dispel?

One of the biggest misconceptions about state colleges is that they are somehow inferior or less worthy than other, more popularized institutions, which I completely disagree with. There are incredible opportunities at state colleges that people often overlook simply because of the stigma. I truly believe that it’s not your circumstances or where you start, it’s what you make of those opportunities. I am living proof of this. Miami Dade College teaches its students to always strive for their dreams and make a name for themselves, and I like to say that we hold as much value as a larger university. I am living proof that this stereotype can be overcome.