Buccino Leadership Institute

Shannon Meloche

Occupational Therapy major

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

"Leadership is being able to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges while remaining optimistic."

Photo of Shannon Meloche

Shannon Meloche's quiet and reserved demeanor belies a restless ambition and a selfless desire to serve others. If one could use a word to describe how this reflected her mindset on the first day, she set foot on campus, Shannon would call it paradoxical. The new and bewildering world brought her pangs of fear and uncertainty. Nevertheless, she refuses to abandon her desire to pursue a challenging six-year Occupational Therapy program here at Seton Hall University. 

She explained, "I decided I wanted to help people—especially in the medical field—when I babysat a boy in a wheelchair during high school and I realized how challenging the lives of physically challenged Americans can be. Since then, it has never been a question of what I would do with my life."

Shannon keeps busy with various clubs on campus, most of them involving a high level of community service. She is involved in Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity, RallyCap Sports, for children with special needs, Piratethon, an annual dance marathon raising money for children with blood disorders and cancer, and KNOWMORE, a club organized to spread awareness to the Seton Hall community about drug and alcohol abuse and sexual violence.

During her time at Seton Hall she has helped organize a panel discussion spreading awareness about Domestic Violence while raising money for survivors. Last summer, Shannon attended a servant leadership experience to Limerick, Ireland. She was able to serve the community of Limerick while being immersed in the culture.
She says the program has helped to identify her strengths and weaknesses while learning more about her personal leadership style. To Shannon, the program has presented a unique opportunity for growth and personal development that she believes would benefit everyone.

Seton Hall Career Highlights:

  • Competitively selected to be in the first Buccino Leadership Cohort