At-Large Governing Council Candidate
Melissa Brotzman
Inver Hills Community College
Bio
My name is Melissa Brotzman. I’m 21 years old and am a student at Inver Hills Community College. I enjoy working hard to achieve my goals and seeing the end result. I’m currently an 2nd Assistant Manager at Culver’s in Eagan, Minnesota and have worked there for 5 and half years. I would describe myself as detail-oriented and a caring person. When something seems wrong to me, I will do everything in my power to make it right. I do this at my job and in my personal/school life. I have always been told that you need to be the change you want to see in the world and being a part of Lead MN would give me this opportunity and that change would be on a large scale which is super important to me. Whenever I am around people I enjoy making them smile with jokes. I’ve been told my smile is contagious and I have an infectious attitude. I grew up with two parents who never went to college but they were very supportive of the goals I want to achieve. Having a leadership position at LEADMN would give me the opportunity to help students who may not have a supportive home where college might not have been an option. I have a very creative mind and love to collaborate with other people on making there/our goals happen. I have never been someone to complain about school. It may be hard but I believe not all of my peers understand how grateful we should be for the education we are able to receive here in America.
What degree or certificate program are you seeking?
Elementary Education
Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.
I’m Melissa and I served on Inver Hills Student Senate as the Communications Director for the 2022-2023 school year. I learned about myself and my school community. I helped organized two blood drives this year and made sure we had enough volunteers. I also am in the process of putting together a school dance for the students of Inver Hills to attend. Working in this position has helped me be able to listen to the students voices about what they want to see happen at Inver and we are in the process of making sure they feel like there needs are being met. This has helped prepare me for this LEADMN position because I have learned how to listen to the students voices and help get their needs met as a communications director. Another leadership position that has helped prepare me for this role is my 2nd Assistant manager positon. I have been a manager since 2020 and have gained so much leadership experience from a restaurant stand point such as listening, leading by example, communications with the guest, technology use, food safety. I was able to help a lot with decision that were being made for the school and that makes me feel good. Its important that the students voices are being heard but they still is a lot of change that can happen not only at Inver Hills but in the Minnstate system as a whole.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for this position because I want to see change and progress made in our school system so it can be more accessible for everyone.
What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?
Food Insecurity, Technology resources, Mental Health, Jobs, Housing, Tutoring services