In August 2017, Hinds Community College’s Raymond Campus was introduced to a new math instructor. Melanie Wells made her Hinds debut at the start of the 2016-2017 academic session. Although she is relatively new to Hinds’ students, she’s made an immediate impact on both her colleagues and her students.
A native of Clinton, it was only right that she attended Clinton High School. When it was time to further her education, she stayed right here and attended Mississippi College.
“After I graduated from Clinton, I just thought it would be right to attend Mississippi College,” Wells said. “I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and would later go on to receive my Masters in Education in the same major.”
A member of Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honorary society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Wells initially didn’t see herself as an instructor, but rather working in the business field.
“I got the job that I wanted, and I didn’t like it,” said Wells. “So I started teaching at my alma mater, Clinton High School and, after I left there, I went to Orlando to teach at Lake-Sumter.”
In an effort to stay on top of her craft, she has the unique ability to adapt to different settings and learn from not only other instructors, but students as well.
“I’ve been teaching for 15 years,” Wells said. “I had to play many different roles as I navigated through learning from other teachers, and staying updated with technology.”
As for her current experience with Hinds, she has already earned her wings as an eagle.
“Hinds is great,” she said. “I’m watching the students make progress every single day. My interaction with all of my students is great; it is never a boring time.”
Along with seeing her peers and students prosper, she has a goal here at Hinds that she would like to meet; and that’s making an impact on students.
“I want all of you guys to know that I care,” she said, “I’m here to show all of my students that hard work truly pays off. The more time you spend on a skill, the easier it becomes.”
Whether it’s teaching students or receiving much deserved accolades, Melanie Wells is the embodiment of hard work and dedication.
De’Shane Frye is a sophomore mass communications major on the Raymond Campus and a student worker in the Public Relations office.
