Melissa Lewis ’97

Tell us a little about yourself! 

I am a mother of three who had a career in the spa industry before moving into the corporate world as a professional wellness coach at a Fortune 500 insurance company. I was also doing a lot of personal growth work that included yoga and lifestyle changes. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I felt spiritually guided to write my first book The Angel Wears Prana. It was quite difficult for me to write about my life, as I felt it would not be of interest to many people. 

What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing? 

I came home from a long day at work each day and made myself write. I felt spiritually accountable. 

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today? 

I was from a lower middle class family in Minnesota and going to UCF was a huge dream for me. I unconsciously manifested the experience for years. I started as a student in the Fall of 1993. This was before the Internet and I had absolutely no idea what was ahead. My entire four year college experience was beyond my wildest dreams. I ended up being in a sorority and working in The Spa at the Disney Institute. I hold those memories close to my heart still to this day. 

What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer? 

The difficulty of the college experience and being around a large group of people provided me with the personal skills to reach the high spiritual goals I have met at age 50. 

Who are some of your favorite authors or books? 

As a young adult, I read a lot of romance novels. As a mother, I read many children’s books. Later, I was drawn to the self-help genre. At some point, I realized I was a speed reader. 

If UCF had a time machine, what moment on campus would you go back to? 

My first year when everything was new and exciting. I loved the activities of sorority life and was full of happiness and joy in the warmth of central Florida. 

If your UCF experience were a meme, what would it be? 

Don’t bother me with a job. I just want to be a UCF student forever. 

What are you currently working on right now? 

I have self realized. It is a very, very high spiritual and personal achievement. 

Anything else you want to share? 

I’m crying as I write this because UCF opened an amazing world for me, personally.