Program: Nursing
Rosa Colella-Melki always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
“I was introduced to nursing by a high school guidance counselor, who suggested I take a CNA class. I did and loved it!”
Colella-Melki earned her associate’s degree from College of DuPage, then her bachelor’s from Loyola University and her master’s from Saint Xavier University. She worked as an RN at Alexian Brothers Medical Center as part of the cardiac and neurology units.
One of her duties was to work with students, and Colella-Melki enjoyed having them follow her around the hospital.
“I loved seeing nursing through their fresh eyes, and I loved how eager and excited students were to help people even in the smallest ways,” she said. “As a graduate of its ADN program, College of DuPage inspired me to reach my professional goals, and I wanted to do the same for other students. After several semesters of working part-time at COD as a clinical and lab instructor, a full-time position became available. I interviewed and got it.”
Colella-Melki hopes her students feel the same passion and love for nursing that she herself does.
“I hope I inspire them to go out and be great nurses. I try to encourage them to never stop learning,” she said. “The ‘a-ha’ moments inspire me. I love when students put it all together, when you see their eyes light up. This is why I am here!”