I am Melissa, and for the purposes of the Arts Co-op program, here is an e-portfolio page showcasing my work experiences, volunteerism, and initiatives that I have been involved in.
Work:
Injury Law Legal Assistant (GKS Law Firm – Burnaby) | May 2026 – present
- Exhibited familiarity with the legal procedures governing workplace injury law through WorkSafeBC decisions, Review Division outcomes, and appeals to WCAT
- Drafted and prepared important submissions such as notice of appeals and requests for reviews
- Dealt with exposure to physically and psychologically sensitive cases
- Showed empathy to the hardships of clients and faciliated communication between clients and lawyers
- Faxed and files confidential information to specified legal institutions
Writer and Author (Self-employed – Richmond) | 2018 – present
- Published two full-length novels while pursuing undergraduate studies
- Demonstrated ability to express complex information through writing
- Learned how to use fiction to foster deeper understanding and reflections over human nature, society, and reality
Notarial Receptionist (Maida and Chen – Richmond) | Jan 2024 – Aug 2024
- Performed independent and team-based administrative duties
- Managed the front desk, scheduled appointments, and filed confidential legal information
- Showcased attention-to-detail and forward-thinking by providing customer service, and handling 20+ phone calls daily
- Improved efficiency in workflow by teamworking with coworkers, and maintaining office inventory
- Gained strong technical writing skills in preparing documents, emails, and meeting notes using knowledge of relevant legal policies
- Gained proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)
Learning Support Assistant (UBC Access and Diversity Centre – Vancouver) | Sep 2023 – Apr 2025
- Exhibited professional written and verbal communication skills by explaining complicated lecture material to students in need
- Gained experience in Equity & Diversity by assisting clients from different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds
- Demonstrated strong time management skills under tight deadlines
Research Assistant (UBC Law and Society – Vancouver) | Jan 2025 – Apr 2025
- Conducted independent research based on strict critera requirements
- Worked with a supervisor for feedback and improvement
- Showcased professional writing and critical thinking skills through an academic article of ~5000 words
- Gained proficiency in Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms)
Violinist (Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra – Vancouver) | Sep 2013-Apr 2023
- Admitted into one of the most prestigious youth orchestras in Canada
- Maintained professionalism under high-pressure environments
- Performed to large audiences, both independently and collaboratively
President / Finance Secretary (Hope for Hospitals Organization – Richmond) | Sep 2019-June 2023
- Demonstrated skills in Human Resources by interviewing and reviewing applications for new executives
- Demonstrated Marketing skills by creating art/infographics, and using social media platforms for promoting events and selling products
- Managed Zoom meetings and financial assets using digital databases
- Conducted outreach in public events and virtual environments
- Took meeting notes, teamworked, communicated with shareholders
- Ran a non-profit community organization using fundraising initiatives, i.e. designing cookbooks and raising $1000+ for the Vancouver Children’s Hospital and Richmond Hospital
Server (Cactus Club Café – Richmond) | Apr.2022 – Dec.2023
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service by taking orders and serving food to people’s tables
- Teamworked with other servers during busy hours
- Balanced time management with managing competing priorities
Ice Cream Server (Timothy’s – Richmond) | Apr.2022 – Dec.2023
- Operated frozen yogurt machines and waffle makers
- Satisfied customer preferences by serving their gelato, ice cream, and frozen yogurt orders
Volunteer:
Ski Instructor (Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports) | Nov.2024 – Jan.2025
- Helped an individual with a physical disability to ski
- Demonstrated leadership by guiding this individual down their first slopes
- Tailored skiing techniques to the disabilities of the individual
Violinist (Vanstring) | 2018 – 2024
- Performed chamber music in senior homes across Vancouver
- Used music to foster human connection and empathy