Collaborative vibes. A moving children’s book. A lakefront spot. What do these things have to do with Summer S.? Read this issue of Five Questions and find out!
What is your role at MELE and what aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
As an Accounting Clerk at MELE, my role involves supporting the finance team with day-to-day accounting operations. This includes processing invoices, reconciling accounts, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring that all transactions are properly recorded and filed. What gives me the most satisfaction in my role is knowing that the work I do helps keep the financial side of the company running smoothly and efficiently. I enjoy working with details and numbers, and I take pride in making sure everything is accurate and organized. It’s rewarding to know that my contribution plays a part in the bigger picture supporting informed decision-making and financial stability for MELE.
If a MELE team member asked you what it’s like to work at HQ, how would you characterize the Rockville office vibe?
If a MELE team member asked me what it’s like to work at HQ, I’d say the Rockville office has a welcoming and collaborative vibe. One of the things that really stands out is the strong sense of team spirit. We regularly have team-building activities that not only make work more enjoyable but also help us connect across departments. The social atmosphere makes it easy to build relationships, ask questions, and support each other. It’s a place where people work hard, but also genuinely enjoy each other’s company—and that makes a big difference in day-to-day morale.
What was your favorite children’s book when you were little and, looking back, why did you think you enjoyed it so much at the time?
While it’s more of a young adult book than a traditional children’s book, The Fault in Our Stars was one of my favorites growing up. Looking back, I think I connected with it so deeply because it was honest, emotional, and made me think about life, love, and loss in a real way. It wasn’t just a story, it made me feel something. At the time, I appreciated how it didn’t sugarcoat things, and I think that maturity in storytelling really resonated with me, even at a younger age.
Choose your vacation spot…lakefront house, beachfront house, or mountain view house? Defend your answer.
I would choose a lakefront house as my vacation spot. I love the peaceful atmosphere and all the water activities that come with it—like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming—but without the crowds and constant waves of the beach. Plus, lakefront areas typically don’t face as many natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, so it feels like a more relaxing and safer option overall. It’s the perfect mix of fun and calm.
What’s your all-time favorite movie, book, or song (choose one) and why?
My all-time favorite movie is Exterritorial. What really stands out to me is how powerfully it shows the strength of a mother. It’s a reminder that a mother’s love can be just as fierce and unstoppable as any superhero—it shows that kind of emotional and physical strength in such a moving way. The bond between the mother and child in the film is unbreakable, and I love how it captures the lengths a parent will go to protect and keep their child safe. It’s inspiring, emotional, and unforgettable.
