Jared Marsh describes himself as a “happy-go-lucky guy.” The Eastern Shore Community College student started his morning at the General Assembly with a positive attitude and an eagerness to get started.
Sitting down with Senator Ralph Northam, Jared doesn’t waste time diving into the issues weighing heavily on his mind. He asks for funding to update ESCC’s building and to start a music program, which he feels can help enhance a student’s education. He also hopes to find funding for student activities. Active in his community, he serves as the youth minister at his local church, works as a lifeguard at the YMCA, plays bass guitar and is trying to establish a youth center.
“I feel that it is important to be able to hang out with other students. We come from high schools where there is so much school spirit and it would be nice to be able to add that social element to community colleges.”
Jared has another issue in mind when speaking with the Senator – healthcare.
Jared has Type I diabetes, the most severe type, and is carrying his health kit with blood sugar level monitor and insulin with him at the General Assembly. He knows the financial burden of those with this disease and applauds the Senators’ work with the Eastern Virginia Medical School, where Jared is treated.
“People ask me all the time how I can be so happy with such a consuming illness. But I figure it’s easier to be happy then to dwell on the negative. I figure everything happens for a reason.”
After graduating high school, Jared hoped to enter the military but was unable due to diabetes. Keeping a positive attitude, he decided to pursue a post-secondary education in community college. Elated with his decision, ESCC provided him with an affordable and flexible option for a student with health needs and a full work load.
Jared plans to pass on his love of education and will transfer to a four year institution this coming fall to become a teacher. Eventually he hopes to get a master’s and/or doctorate degree.
“I will go as far as I can. There are so many opportunities out there if you have an education.”
That’s the spirit, Jared!
Posted by Lauren Von Herbulis
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4 responses so far ↓
Jared // February 17, 2008 at 12:22 am
Hey ladies and gentlemen, its me Jared! The one who was interviewed for this. I enjoyed every moment with all the people that was there, and thank you Lauren for your interview I enjoyed speaking on the behalf of most of those who do enjoy are community college.
Megan // February 17, 2008 at 2:31 am
Yay for Jared!! He is an amazing person! A truely great friend! We went to elementary school together and he is a one of a kind person!! :) Love ya!!! Good luck with everything!
Ginny Reynolds // February 17, 2008 at 8:56 am
Nice job, Jared!! What a great experience for you!! Karaoke and all! :) I’m sure our delegates learned a great deal from you and will consider your suggestions to improve our community college system, especially ESCC. Keep up the great work you’re doing!
Brielle // February 17, 2008 at 1:13 pm
You’re way too motivated…do you want to share some of that?! You’re pretty awesome kid, congrats.