We All Have a Story, Marie: Rochester, NY Portrait Project

I've known Marie for several years through my work as a substitute teacher and most recently as a teaching assistant at Webster Thomas.  I was excited about the prospect of getting to know her better when she contacted me about participating in the project.  We sat down to talk about her life, her teaching career and her family. I came to the conclusion that Marie has had a good, but rough life.  So much of what she shared with me had to do with loss, but through it all, I got a clear sense that she is a very strong woman.  The difficult times has taught her that life is what you make it and you might as well make it the best that you can because you just don't know what's around the corner.  There are no guarantees.  I wanted her portrait to show her in that light, not a glamorous one, but a real "this is me" portrait of inner strength and fortitude. We met at a park while walking her dog.  The light was great and I think we got it right!

In her words:

Everything you do is based on the choices you make.  It’s not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame.  

You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make. Period.

                                                                                                                                    Quote by Brenda Slavin

Marie Prizzi

Math Teacher

Webster Thomas High School