Interview by Ren Ciara Oenema

Where are you from?

My whole family is actually from France. I was born in France and then I moved to Scarborough when I was around three years old.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I play tennis in the spring as a school sport, but I actually play tennis year-round. I also work with a lot of children as I work at an aftercare program and at the Scarborough Recreation Center. I am interested in psychology, and that is what I am going to be studying in college.

Considering that you mentioned before that your family is originally from France, what does your household look like?

My parents speak French, but I speak English just because it’s a lot easier. I understand French completely, it’s just that I can’t speak it fluently.

Have you returned to France?

I have, although I haven’t traveled there as often because of COVID. My family and I went there last fall to visit our family. Because I didn’t grow up with them, it can feel weird sometimes and as if I am around strangers. So, yes, I travel there once in a while.

What advice would you give to a student coming to Scarborough High School?

I would definitely say that you should take advantage of all the opportunities that Scarborough has to offer as I think there is a wide range of things that you can do. There are a variety of things to do, like going to the beach and using the trails. Scarborough, in my opinion, is very big so there is lots to do. Additionally, I think that the high school has so many wonderful extracurriculars and programs that you can participate in, such as the extended learning opportunity (ELO program) that you are involved in. There are also just lots of great people in Scarborough that are always willing to help you succeed and take you where you want to go.

What is your favorite place in Scarborough?

I’d have to say that my favorite place is Ferry Beach. My friends and I always go there as well as my family. I went there a lot as a kid, playing with the hermit crabs and stuff. I also really love the great sunsets there and it’s just a really nice beach.

What is something that no one in town knows about you?

That’s a hard question and I don’t know what to say. I’d have to say that no one knows that my full name is actually Melisande and not Meli. No one knows how to actually pronounce my full name, which is why they opt for the nickname. I feel like my nickname is part of my American life, and my full name kind of reminds me of where I’m from. I kind of like that people don’t call me by my full name sometimes. Otherwise, I don’t have much else to say as I am an open book. I am very outgoing and I tend to overshare information, so I feel like everyone kind of knows everything about me.

Many thanks to Ren Ciara Oenema for this piece. Ren Ciara is a Scarborough High School junior with an interest in writing and journalism. She connected with Meli through her tennis coach and journalism mentor, Lincoln MacIsaac.