About Melody Porter
Posts by Melody Porter
Values & the Big Picture
On October 4, 2019
![visitors to campus walking around the Wren Yard in front of the Wren Building and Lord Bot statue](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/campus-life-2-280x190.jpg)
As part of W&M’s Strategic Planning process, we as a university are reflecting on and articulating our shared values. It’s an exciting time, and
Retreat? More Like an Advance.
On September 2, 2019
![students working together on a poster](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/academics-2-280x190.jpg)
When I was a minister, I frequently visited an older woman who was not able to come to church anymore. She was hilarious and
Try, Try Again
On May 6, 2019
![Group of female students cheering on the Homecoming Parade](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/campus-life-traditions-homecoming-280x190.jpg)
My 18 month old daughter has been learning how to use a fork. As often happens with anything new, she’s had a lot more
Kindness in Action
On February 12, 2019
![Crowd of cheering current students with hand drawn signs of welcome and outreached hands to give high fives to a procession of new students in the Wren Courtyard at Opening Convocation](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/traditions-events-convocation-280x190.jpg)
Last Friday afternoon, 150 people gathered in New Town for the kick-off event to celebrate a new Williamsburg community initiative: #WMBGkind. It’s much more
Choosing W&M
On March 8, 2018
![students and leaders constructing a house on Barksdale Field](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/comm-engagement-service-280x190.jpg)
In 2008, I had a bad day at work. Unlike other days, when I would brush it off and move on, I thought it
Building Trust in Community – Part II
On March 15, 2017
![students and leaders constructing a house on Barksdale Field](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/comm-engagement-service-280x190.jpg)
When I applied for the Community Trustbuilding Fellowship, I did so because I hoped it would inform my work in the Office of Community
Building Trust in Community
On February 10, 2017
![students and leaders constructing a house on Barksdale Field](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/comm-engagement-service-280x190.jpg)
Two weekends ago, I awoke in a former monastery overlooking the James River, the Richmond skyline, and a stream of headlights coursing through I-95.
What Does Community Engagement Look Like Now?
On January 26, 2017
![students and leaders constructing a house on Barksdale Field](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/comm-engagement-service-280x190.jpg)
We in the Office of Community Engagement began this academic year with a phrase ringing in our hearts: “Just a small dot in a huge,
First Do No Harm
On December 8, 2016
![Mediterranean sea side village](https://wmblogs.wm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/study-away-280x190.jpg)
Most of the pre-med and pre-health students I know get into their career paths from a place of deep care for others, wishing to