Meet Your Neighbor
Melissa Mitchell
Interview by Seth Allen
After chasing Melissa around the campus for over a year, she finally agreed to sit down with me for an interview. I think the only reason she finally relented is that she's retiring - I know; I'm sad too - and will be able to avoid me from this point forward. For those who don't know, Melissa has been the Administrator at St.Francis for over a decade. Meet Melissa Mitchell.
ME: Where were you born and raised?
MM: I was born in New York City. I spent the first 7 years of my life in Stamford, Connecticut. My parents were in show business and commuted into Manhattan.
ME: How did you end up in Tucson?
MM: Things were slowing down for them in entertainment. So, my dad had a Bachelors in Education and found he could teach here in Arizona while pursuing his Masters. We moved here in 1968.
ME: You have an interesting bit of information from your move to Tucson. Share more please.
MM: When we got here, we moved in next door to Steve (St.Francis Facilities Manager) and his parents. We've been friends ever since.
ME: Where did you go to high school?
MM: Canyon Del Oro
ME: Did you go to college?
MM: Yes, but not right away. I had a job where I was working my way up the ladder. Then, they downsized and I was let go. So, I went back to school.
ME: Where?
MM: U of A. I have a major in Art History and a minor in Creative Writing.
ME: And what do you do with your Art History major?
MM: Go to museums and show off.
ME: When did you first come to St.Francis?
MM: We started coming in 2011.
ME: What attracted you to this church specifically?
MM: We had just adopted our son Kelly (aka David) and wanted him to have a place that taught respect for all types of people and lifestyles. The energy here was off the charts and incredibly welcoming. I started out volunteering in the Library for Peace. Then, I heard they were hiring for a part-time Administrative Assistant. I applied and was hired in 2012. They then bumped me up to a full-time Administrative Assistant, and then full-time Office Manager, and finally Church Administrator! I've worked with three pastors and, I've tried really hard to be in every office in the office building. I think I'm only short of being in two of them.
ME: You don't want to stick around until you've used them all? (She just looked at me.) I'll take that for a no. Moving on. What are some of the changes you've seen during your time here?
MM: After David retired, Jim came and he had big shoes to fill. Lots of people left. The church changed as of course it would.
ME: What would you like to see for the church's future?
MM: More young people and more spirituality where people can address God as they feel most comfortable.
ME: You and Trish (Patricia George) have been together, how long?
MM: 31 years. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of our legal marriage this year and it has been 30 years since our original Commitment Ceremony.
ME: Congratulations! So, what are you doing after you retire?
MM: We're going to San Diego for a week, just to kick back. Then after that, who knows?!
ME: I remember you talking about moving. Still planning on relocating?
MM: No. I think we're staying.
ME: What's your favorite pastime or hobby?
MM: Reading. Gardening. Going to the movies. Camping.
ME: If your life was a book, what would the title be?
MM: War and Peace.
ME: Who would you want to play you in the movie version?
MM: Jamie Lee Curtis.