Working at a university that supports its surrounding community and schools in a positive way has been a very rewarding experience. I started working in Lawrenceville, NJ 9 years ago as an adjunct communication instructor when my family and I relocated from New York following 9/11. I have always been fascinated by people who support their local community. I often feel like we forget about our local communities when we support the big box stores that seem to have dominated our retail experiences. My dad, Joe Marotta, always believed in supporting your local establishments- restaurants, retail stores, and churches. Joe began a food pantry at his local church in Staten Island, NY, to feed and care for the poor in his neighborhood. He owned a drug store in his hometown in Tompkinsville, Staten Island where now the street bears his name in honor of his contributions to his community and its people. I have taken on his oath to “shop local” and make a conscious effort to regularly buy my food, pharmaceutical needs, and even jewelry at local vendors. One of my favorite places to shop is the Trenton Farmer’s Market- where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and meats from local farmers and retailers each week and Robbins Pharmacy in Ewing, NJ. 
Since moving to a small community in Central New Jersey, I have met some really wonderful and giving people who have made a difference in their community. None more passionate than a teacher from Hamilton, New Jersey who gives back to her students and community through her dedication and commitment to learning. This young girl graduated from the College of New Jersey and decided to work, volunteer, and live right in her local community where she received her degree in elementary education. What wows me everyday is how she is able to bring her passion into everything she does. She works with students with special needs, motivates kids to learn, and believes in the abilities of all her students and co-workers. She inspired one of her kids to rise above his challenging and poor living environment to apply to a local preparatory high school. She helped him with his application, bought him some supplies including an interview shirt, and tutored him- both academically and socially. Needless to say the young 14-year-old got into the school and is doing well in his new learning environment.
This passionate teacher works harder and longer than any other educator I know. And when she is not working in the classroom, she can easily be found at the local bowling alley coaching her Special Olympics Bowling Team or at a Teacher Leadership Community meeting at Rider University mentoring other teachers from across the state to improve their practice.
Passion can be contagious and I know that as a passionate person myself, I have inspired many people to go out and find success using what they know and can contribute to their community. I am thankful for the people of my past and those in my present who inspire me with their good works and contributions to others.
Posted by scarbonaro 
