From Dateline (March 27, 2003)

The United Kingdom Calls President's Scholar to Serve
by Susan katsaros

She's traveled abroad and gained experience as a representative of the California State University Academic Council for International Programs. Now, Melissa Tellez has become a student ambassador for British Council USA.

The council established the student ambassador program seven years ago as an innovative way to involve students who have studied at a British university in their U.S. university's study-abroad activities.

Tellez, a President's Scholar and senior majoring in business administration-management, spent the 2001-02 academic year at the University of Bradford. As a student ambassador, she will share this experience with other students at various events, including study-abroad fairs and pre-departure orientations.

“Working with students from around the world on group projects enhanced my learning experience ten-fold,” she said. “My year in Great Britain allowed me to gain a better understanding of myself and the world around me....My experiences at the University of Bradford and living in England inspired me to pursue graduate school.”

“Melissa Tellez's accomplishments are due to her willingness to explore her surroundings,” said Patrick Frazier, study abroad adviser. “At such a young age, Melissa has established herself as a responsible citizen of the world, taking charge of her future, and in this time of global responsibility, she should be the model of the 21st century person coming of age.”

James Mettler, director of the President's Scholars program, agreed. “Melissa continues to exemplify the ambassadorial qualities of our President's Scholars through this prestigious appointment.”