Penn State Harrisburg volleyball senior Melissa Orlandini is the lone senior on a young Lions squad in 2016. Orlandini is a civil engineering major who has a deep love for volleyball, whether it's playing with her teammates, recreationally, or watching the Penn State women's team or Kerri Walsh Jennings compete. She and the Lions are 2-1 to start the year and will compete at the Warrior Tip-Off Classic hosted by Lycoming this weekend. INTRODUCING … Melissa Orlandini.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?

I started playing volleyball in 8th grade and fell in love. I found my niche that I wasn't able to find with other sports and I never looked back. Throughout my high school career at Central Dauphin, I also played for club teams and summer leagues and it became a year-round sport. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue playing in college as well.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?

I'm majoring in civil engineering and the most important thing I've learned through my studies is how important time management is to being a successful student-athlete.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the courtyard outside of the Olmsted building. It's perfect for sitting outside on a nice spring day and studying or starting up the occasional doubles tournament.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?

We have family friends that have a place up on the Susquehanna River, where we go every summer. It's perfect for relaxing and hanging out with family that I don't get to see often.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?

The biggest organization that I participate in is Penn State Harrisburg Benefitting THON, which is a student-run philanthropy to help raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. It holds a huge place in my heart. I also coached this past year for Fusion Volleyball Club and participated in a summer league.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.

My most memorable experience throughout my college career was actually when I played at Penn State Mont Alto and we finally beat our rivals in five games by two points and I had the game-winning kill.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?

My team members are always the biggest source of inspiration to me. They're my support system both off and on the court and I know if I'm ever struggling, they're going to have my back and motivate me.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?

I think the most important societal issue facing college students is actually comprehending and understanding what they're learning in their classes. Our education system is set up in such a way that the emphasis is taken off of genuinely learning the topic and placing it on getting the grade instead. I think it's essential that professors convey the relevance to the material in class to the real world, in both general education courses and major courses, and that students really focus on absorbing it, rather than memorization.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?

I wish cancer of all forms would just disappear, especially pediatric cancer. Seeing innocent people suffer is so unfair and it takes so many lives before their time. Obviously, I can't do it but I would like to see more organizations like THON across the country so that no one has to fight alone or worry about how they're going to pay for treatments.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?

Obviously playing volleyball! Outside of that, I really enjoy going for walks, reading and playing laser tag.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?

Never grow up! Just kidding, take every opportunity available to you. Do as much as you can, be friends with everyone and always be honest.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?

I love watching Penn State's Women's Volleyball Team. They're outstanding and I love the energy in the gym when they play.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?

• Kerri Walsh Jennings- Especially after watching the Summer 2016 Olympics, I have so much respect for beach volleyball and I think she's such an impressive athlete.
• Hermione Granger- I was always a huge Harry Potter fan growing up and I definitely looked to her as a role model because of her strength, compassion and intelligence. 
• Mahatma Ghandi- He's so inspiring and I feel like he could teach me a lot about myself, as well as being very influential and insightful about the turmoil in the world right now.