While most of her classmates were on campus during the last week of January, Melissa Vasquez '20 from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, visited Dallas, Texas, to attend iLead -- a leadership conference focused on athletic training,  run by the National Athletic Training Association.

Melissa was awarded a diversity grant by the Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee that covered the cost of her travel to the conference. Her selection was based on an essay where she shared her goals as a student and why it is important for people of diverse backgrounds to hold leadership positions.

"My experience at the conference was very moving, motivating, and educational," said Vasquez. "It was a very different experience that forced me out of my comfort zone. With the focus of the conference on leadership in athletic training, we learned many skills and strategies that we as students can implement right away. We were also taught very helpful tips for when we begin applying for jobs including how to write a top-notch cover letter and how to wow people during the interview process."  

Melissa is a mid-fielder on the Lasell College woman's soccer team and hopes to work in collegiate or professional sports when she graduates.  

For more information about Lasell's athletic training program, please visit our website.