Marilyn Britt ’14: Inspired to Teach

by Rachel Voorhees

As a mother of four, Marilyn Britt ’14 has always loved children, but it was her year as a teaching assistant in a North Carolina school that made her realize that teaching was her calling.

“Being in that environment opened up a whole new world for me,” Ms. Britt said. “The fact that I could make a difference in the life of someone else made me decide to go that route.”

After moving to Bellmore, New York, Ms. Britt decided on Adelphi’s University College to help her achieve her dream of becoming a special education teacher. In 2012, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program, with a concentration in psychology. She graduated in May 2014.

She says the short commute and the flexible course schedules are what attracted her to the school initially, but it was the professors who ultimately made it worthwhile.

“The professors were very relatable and down-to-earth,” Ms. Britt said. “They gave you information but, at the same time, allowed you to do your own reasoning and made room for discussion.”

As a staffing coordinator for Marion K. Salomon & Associates, Inc., an agency serving special needs children in Plainview, New York, Ms. Britt sees where the needs are and looks forward to making a direct impact as a teacher.

In Fall 2014, Ms. Britt will begin working toward a Master of Science in Bilingual Childhood Special Education, which is offered as a tri-certification program in the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education.

“I feel that University College has instilled confidence in me. As an adult student, I can actually go through a college program and feel safe,” Ms. Britt said. “University College is definitely a stepping stone to my next endeavor.”