I first met Melissa in 2009 and automatically thought she was one of the sweetest, most creative, and genuine people I’d ever met. I had the pleasure of getting to know her and spend time with her while she lived in Oregon. We were both going back to college after long hiatuses and were sources of encouragement for each other. She was so thoughtful and considerate of others. If you had a problem she was there, willing to help & full of creative ideas. I remember we hiked Iron Mountain one summer in a group and, being the inexperienced outdoors woman I am, I got burnt out right before reaching the summit. Melissa encouraged me to take a break and then give it another try. The view from the top was amazing and I’m so glad we got to share it together. One year, for her birthday, we went exploring the coast and ended up on the beach in Lincoln city right as the sun was setting. I remember we made many attempts to take group pictures, which involved a bunch of running back and forth on the beach, and most of them ended up being of us just laughing at ourselves. I remember Melissa telling me that she thought Dahlias were beautiful flowers and this time of year they are everywhere, beautiful reminders of a beautiful person. I recently planted some in her memory. Rest in peace friend.