Walking through the halls of the East Building on the Sampson Community College campus, there is a display of artwork displayed from various students. About halfway through the hall gathers a group of onlookers amazed at one striking drawing. They are mesmerized at the captivating piece. However, more amazing than that is the artist behind the drawing is blind. Melvin was born with retinopathy of prematurity, a partial blindness that eventually leads to total darkness. She says it’s the only life she has ever known, so she has adapted to the darkness and says drawing is her way of expressing what she sees in her mind. “Drawing is a passion of mine and always has been. When I entered SCC, I was able to nurture that love by enrolling in art classes, and it’s opened up a whole new world for me.” Walt Smith, Melvin’s art instructor, introduced her to the method of charcoal drawing, and he says he’s seen a remarkable energy in her drawings since that time. “She really uses intense variations of shading, and it’s just amazing to see the captivating finished product.” Despite Melvin’s setbacks, she maintains an impressive 3.9 GPA. “It’s remarkable what she can accomplish,” says Randy Wiggins, who has taught Melvin math. “She was the best student in my class. She’s always on time, always prepared and maintained the highest average. She’s an ideal student and an ideal classmate for the students.” Melvin, who can see variations of the colors red, black, white and shades of gray, uses the aid of a visual magnification glass to enhance words and objects she is studying. “I usually have to get within an inch of what I’m drawing to see it. I also use red paper clips and black rulers to help gauge measurements.” She says the themes of her pictures always revolve around people. “They are my inspiration. I just love being around people, and I like to help others in any way possible.” Her love and passion for people is one of the reasons she chose to major in Psychology. She says her future goal is to help brighten the lives of others by hopefully one day becoming a school guidance counselor. “I hope to help others and hopefully help others who have been such an inspiration to me here at SCC.”