2008 POINT SCHOLARS

Melissa Robinson

Allan Gilmour/Eric Jirgens Point Scholar

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

English

Melissa was raised in Rockford, Michigan, a fairly conservative community in West Michigan. After lobbying her high school’s administration, Melissa was permitted to form a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at the beginning of her junior year. In high school she excelled academically and was active in many organizations on campus including the National Honor Society, Diversity Club, Young Democrats and served as captain on the Debate Team. As one of the few ‘out’ gay students at a high school of 2,000, students often defined Melissa by her sexual orientation, negating her as whole person. Knowing that a supportive family is often the exception for LGBT youth, Melissa is thankful to have a supportive father.

Melissa is currently enrolled at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is majoring in English. At the university, she hopes to gain the experience necessary to utilize the power of the written word in order to counter the attitudinal barriers created by sexism and homophobia. After graduation, Melissa plans to attend law school and work towards furthering and protecting LGBT civil rights.