Colleen Coleman-
This week’s Gustie of the Week is Mel Pardock, a Senior Political Science and Japanese Studies double major, with a minor in Theatre, from Des Moines, IA. Having served as the Weekly’s very own Editor in Chief for the past two years, Pardock is also President of Gustavus Model United Nations, Peer Advisor in the Center for International and Cultural Education, is a major student advisor for the Japanese department, and will be in the Theatre production “B” this weekend. Outside of academics, Pardock enjoys hanging out with friends, playing The Sims 3, doing travel research and linguistic studies for fun, and has been independently learning Japanese and Korean for 10 years.
Ever since she was a Sophomore in High School, Pardock was interested in studying Japanese while in college. After touring Gustavus and sitting in on Greg Kaster’s class on Civil War history, Pardock was drawn to Gustavus as it showed her that professors cared about students and their learning outcomes. She was drawn to majoring in Political Science to eventually go to law school, and enjoys the interdisciplinary aspects of the Japanese department. “It’s a small, but very close knit department. It stretches across so many different aspects of Japanese society, history, and even some environmental science courses that tie into it. It’s just so fun. It takes me outside of my comfort zone, and I love that,” Pardock said.
Pardock is most proud of their work as a Peer Advisor in the CICE, helping Gusties to step outside of their comfort zones and to show that they are more capable than they think they are. They are also most proud of leading organizations that keep a stable representation of our campus and student life, such as Model UN and here at the Weekly. Throughout their time at Gustavus, some of Pardock’s favorite memories center around just experiencing life on the Hill; hanging out with friends, campus events, Model UN conference trips to Chicago, and especially studying abroad in Japan in spring 2023. “Mel is passionate about everything she does, her work is always meaningful. Mel is very dedicated to all of her involvements and leads them with grace,” good friend and roommate, Senior Mikayla Witte said.
With graduation right on the horizon, Pardock has been applying for summer internships back home. In late July or early August, they plan on moving to Japan to teach English through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. When reflecting on their time at Gustavus, Pardock would advise first-years to get involved and to just put themselves out there, and to, of course, write for the Weekly. “Get out of your dorm! Get out there! I was very introverted when I first came to campus. I didn’t have a ton of friends then, and I wish that I had put myself out there more. These past two years I’ve become more involved in things, and it’s just been way more fun, meeting so many interesting people and opportunities,” Pardock said.
“I’ve known Mel since first semester, freshman year when we lived on the same floor in Pittman. Since then, I have seen Mel grow and flourish into the person she is today! Their great sense of style, dedication to academics, and support for her closest friends have all grown over the years. I trust that Mel is going to do amazing things in the future!” Senior Hanna Lee said.
Throughout their time as a writer and especially the last two years as Editor in Chief, Pardock has made a remarkable impact on the Weekly. “Less visible to student readers, but vitally important, she has worked skillfully behind-the-scenes, shepherding a staff of over 30 student employees, and handling a multitude of other duties,” Communications professor and faculty advisor of the Weekly, Dr. Mark Braun said. The Weekly deeply appreciates the hard work Mel has given to help this publication keep running.
“Coming to Gustavus, I always wanted to be on the newspaper, but was so nervous to apply. Mel encouraged me to apply for a writing position and here I am, still a part of the newspaper. From class to orgs, Mel always supported me in going out of my comfort zone, whether its applying to The Weekly or joining Model UN my senior year!” Senior Taylor Storlien said.
We are excited to see what her future will hold. Mel’s parting words as Editor in Chief are to “Apply to work for the Gustavian Weekly. We pay!!!”
“The Weekly has been around since 1891, and in that 134 years, there have been many outstanding editors-in-chief, but Mel Pardock is surely among the most dedicated and visionary. She will be missed,” Braun said.