A Self Teaching Philosophy
Melissa Mantz is the Development Officer at Bucks County Housing Group, a non-profit social service organization. BCHG provides a wide range of housing and related social services to homeless and low-income families. Melissa’s work philosophy is based on the idea that “we were put on this earth to help each other on a daily basis and to be our best.”
Melissa wears many hats at BCHG. She oversees volunteer staff while handling marketing, grant writing, and donor solicitation, among other tasks. Excelling throughout her work day, Melissa makes it clear that everything she does is self-taught, especially managing social media. This approach adds to her creativity and allows her to influence her own learning experience.
Valued Mentorship
Melissa values the opportunity to work one on one with donors, volunteers, and members of Bucks County through BCHG. The relationships she builds and the ability to maintain them are part of the joy that BCHG provides. Besides developing relationships and earning a living, Melissa finds true meaning in helping people move forward and providing them with a chance at housing independence and stability.
She furthers her self-growth professionally and personally through her mentor’s advice, which she holds of high importance. Always be true to self, ask questions, listen first, and remain passionate in all the work you do are some of her favorite. She carries these reminders through her work by listening to her fellow co-workers, collaborating on ideas, and serving as a leadership model.
Looking Up, Around, and Out of Herself
Even though Melissa’s mentors provide her with consistent feedback and ongoing support, she also finds inner strength through her morning meditations. The best career advice she’s received is simply, “Do what makes you happy.” Melissa uses that advice in every aspect of her life. Sharing a quote at the end of a wonderful conversation, Melissa says, “remember to look up, around, and out of yourself.” This is an uplifting reminder that motivates her to start each day on a positive note.
About the contributor: Laiza Santos is the 21st Century Learning Center Intern at UWBucks for the summer. She is a rising senior at La Salle University majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Interested in writing and engaging audiences creatively, UWBucks provides her with a platform to succeed and develop such interests professionally.