For Matt Melatti, the opportunity to be a 2018-19 PSO Student Scholar represents a way to become an active, informed citizen who knows the importance of public service.

Hometown: Fayetteville, Georgia

Year: Senior

College: College of Public Health

Majors: Health Promotion

Internship Unit: Public Service and Outreach

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

In 10 years, I hope to be working as a general dentist in south Georgia.

Why did you apply for PSO Scholars? 

I applied for PSO Scholars because I wanted to learn about UGA’s connection with the state and how I can best serve those in need throughout Georgia.

What excites you most about your unit? 

I will be interning in the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. I am excited for this opportunity because I will learn about each of the PSO units and how to organize large scale efforts for community outreach and service.

What do you hope to get out of this experience? 

I am hoping to learn how to best serve my future community utilizing both my profession as well as my time away from dental work.

Why is service and outreach important to you? 

I recognize that, whether I am conscious of it or not, I am always benefiting from the people around me. I believe it is necessary and right to reciprocate all of the kindness and support that is given to me so that the community can continue to grow and benefit others.

Fun fact: 

I have lived in all three UGA freshman high-rises! I am also a Service Ambassador for ServeUGA.

The Public Service & Outreach Student Scholars program provides the opportunity for a select cohort of undergraduate students to explore and engage with the University of Georgia’s public service and outreach (PSO) mission. Supported by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, and administered through the Office of Service-Learning, this year-long program is intended to provide deeper understanding of PSO’s purpose, breadth, and depth through supervised service experiences with PSO and communities, to help students link their public service experiences with their career and educational goals, and to create a community of student scholars who understand the role of public service in Georgia and more broadly.

Learn more about Matt and the PSO Student Scholars program here.

Posted January 15, 2019.