PinballBURSARY 2026 Graduate: Melissa

Meet Melissa Melbourne, a graduate of Carleton University's Criminology and Criminal Justice program with a concentration in Law and a member of our PinballBURSARY Class of 2026.

Melissa's dedication to understanding the justice system, legal frameworks, and the factors that shape our communities reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Her academic achievements and perseverance have prepared her to contribute meaningfully to the fields of law, justice, and public service.

Before receiving this Bursary, I never imagined that post-secondary education would truly feel attainable for me. Even when I was accepted into university, I carried a deep fear that I would spend years drowning in debt that would feel impossible to pay back. The Pinball Foundation completely relieved those fears and allowed me to pursue my education with hope instead of anxiety.

PinballBURSARY has impacted me far beyond financial relief. It gave me the ability to focus on my education, my growth, and my future without constantly feeling weighed down by fear and uncertainty. It reminded me that there are people and organizations willing to invest in students like me and believe in our potential, even during seasons where we struggle to believe in ourselves. Because of this program, I have been able to grow academically, creatively, emotionally, and spiritually in ways I never expected.

Attending You(th) Lead sessions provided me with several mentors, and cheerleaders in the professional world. Each one of these individuals have pushed me and challenged me into directions I didn't know was possible.

One of the most memorable experiences I had through this program was during an extremely difficult season in my life. I was struggling emotionally and mentally in ways that began to affect every area of my life, especially school. I had multiple assignments piling up, deadlines passing, and I genuinely felt frozen and incapable of moving forward. It felt like I was drowning under the weight of everything I had to do, and for a while, I truly believed I would not be able to get myself out of that place.

During that time, I reached out to my mentors, Kim and Sherri. I still remember those conversations because they met me with so much patience, grace, and compassion. They didn’t make me feel ashamed for struggling. Instead, they reminded me that I was capable, supported, and not alone. They walked with me through one of the heaviest seasons of my life and helped me slowly rebuild structure, confidence, and hope.

They taught me practical ways to manage my responsibilities even when life felt overwhelming, but more importantly, they reminded me that my worth was not defined by one difficult season. Their support genuinely changed the trajectory of that moment in my life, and I do not think I would have gotten through it the same way without them.

One of the most valuable quotes I heard during a mentorship session came from another student: “Don’t stay awake for things you wouldn’t wake up for.”

That quote deeply resonated with me because it challenged me to reflect on what truly deserves my energy, attention, and emotional investment. It reminded me not to lose myself over temporary worries, distractions, or situations that are not aligned with my purpose and growth. It is a quote that has stayed with me far beyond the sessions themselves.

We are proud to celebrate Melissa's accomplishments and recognize this important milestone in her educational journey. Congratulations, Melissa!

From left: Melissa Melbourne, Sequoia Clarke, Destiny Smith at the You(th) Lead Conference