Meet A Pupcycled Volunteer: Mel
Taro and I (photo courtesy of Mel Nguy)
Hello Pupcycled community!
My name is Mel Nguy, and I am a new Pupcycled volunteer on the blog team. I am based in San Jose, California, and I recently graduated from Cal Poly. Next, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University to become a librarian! I am passionate about creating community and change, and as we grow deeper into the digital age, I hope to empower my local communities by making literature, technology, and educational resources easily accessible.
Before joining Pupcycled, I assisted with Cal Poly’s cat program, where I was responsible for the upkeep of up to thirty cats at a time in an on-campus cat shelter. It could be quite hectic, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I helped fundraise for veterinary care by designing stickers and baking cookies, and was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity where I participated in toy crafting workshops to donate to nearby Humane Society shelters. One of my favorite memories is creating yarn pom-poms for cats while engaging in a speed-dating game. It was super fun to craft while discussing the interests of my peers, and I love that helping out in the community alongside new or old friends is doubly beneficial for everyone.
I’m not just a cat person; I also love dogs and have one myself, a husky-shepherd mix named Taro. We adopted her four years ago, hoping she would grow into a good guard dog, but it turns out she has the personality of a grandma trapped in a dog’s body — and we love her for it!
One of the main reasons I joined Pupcycled, aside from my strong affinity for community service and love for animals, is its environmental approach. As someone who enjoys repurposing scrap materials and seeking affordable alternatives, I strongly resonate with Pupcycled’s mission to minimize waste while supporting our animal friends. Although my role is within the editorial team rather than in-person outreach, I hope that my involvement in our cause will help strengthen our online presence and grow our outside interest.
Thanks for having me, and I look forward to getting to know more of you!
Sincerely,
Mel
