Description Pastel drawing of a dancer created by Melissa Cándida Doi. The drawing is framed and signed in the lower right corner.
Historical Notes Born in the Bronx, Melissa Doi lived with her mother in the borough’s Throngs Neck section. Melissa had studied ballet and had considered careers in dance and art before joining IQ Financial Systems and becoming a senior manager. On September 11, Melissa spoke at length with a 9-1-1 operator, describing conditions on the South Tower’s 83rd floor, where she was trapped. She was 32 years old.
Curator's Comment Melissa Doi’s mother recalled her daughter’s philosophy as “life is a piece of drawing paper, and you are the artist.” A friend distilled Melissa’s ethos further, remembering her advice: “do what makes you happy.” Art and dancing made Melissa happy, and she thought about pursuing both as a career. When offered a place at an art and design school, however, she opted instead for a sociology degree followed by a career in finance. Nevertheless, she continued to paint, and when she felt happy, she would dance. HIDE