Marianne Soratorio Dyogi, MA

Once upon a time, there was a young girl who marveled at the two school desks her grandfather had brought home. She was tickled at the idea of being able to play school with her brother and sisters, especially since she had spent hear earliest years at the lap of her grandmother doing math problems over the summer to prepare for school. The young girl would find worksheets for her siblings to complete and assign them homework to do in their free time. She enjoyed school so much that she couldn't wait to continue it at home...

It never occurred to her that she should become a teacher. Her grandparents were teachers and the love for learning ran in her blood, but there were other aspirations that caught her attention - a report she completed in the third grade on the first American woman in space inspired her to be an astronaut and follow the footsteps of Sally Ride. Many professions seemed much more appealing than standing in front of a classroom full of little (or big) kids. She later considered becoming an engineer like her father, but by the time high school graduation rolled around, she was set on working as a pediatrician, just like her mother.

After realizing that medical school was not in her future, the grown young woman chose a different path - health science. She still wanted to help people in clinics, and if it meant working to keep them healthy through personal education, she was all for it. Most of her related jobs involved research and data collection, which did not give her the satisfaction she was looking for. She wanted quality interaction with others. She wanted to make a more direct impact on people's lives.

The young woman actually fell into teaching "by accident". Her mother lost her job at the clinic because of failing eyesight, and the young woman immediately searched for a position that would employ her full-time. "Elementary School Teacher," the job posting read. At a Catholic school. To make a long story short, she gave the principal a call, faxed in her resume, was interviewed within an hour and got hired on the spot. God's hand of providence had to be working for her on that day...

It was He who led her to this profession because no position has brought her more joy, taught her more lessons, and cultivated more virtue than teaching.  She has reaped the blessings that each child has brought her, watched light bulbs go off, and encouraged many to grow in their faith.  Calling her students "my kids" reflects how very much a part of her these children had become.  Of course there were mountains to climb and valleys to cross along the way.  There were days when she would ask herself if she had the strength to persevere.  But  after surviving her first year of teaching, never again did she question her vocation.  She committed herself to the sacrifices, just so she could continue to witness her students' daily triumphs.

And here she is, standing at the door of opportunity...taking a peek through the eyes of her professors and colleagues at what she, too, can do to benefit future generations.  RESPECT - EDUCATE - ADVOCATE - LEAD...working for social justice in the world of education...joining the ranks of those who dedicate their lives to extend their influence beyond the walls of their classrooms...hoping to make a difference in the world.

+AMDG+