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

Putting yourself out there for all to see is not an easy thing to do.  In fact, it's pretty brave.  The many people who participated in my photography project knew that their image and their story would be part of an exhibit and that I would be blogging about them.  That's brave.  Janine is one such person who shows her bravery in many ways. I've known her for years, but have gotten to know her better through this project and I have grown to truly admire her.  Her story is touching and inspiring.

In her words:

"I wanted to hide in the beginning.  Now, I search for eye contact, share a smile, and enjoy the sometimes surprised reactions reflecting back at me.  If I’m honest, what I see in the mirror doesn’t accurately reflect who I am.  Alopecia may have taken my hair, but ultimately, the diagnosis has enriched my spirit.  I hold my head higher now than I did before because I have embraced the mantra that adorns my head, “Let it go…”  My tattoo is a gentle reminder to myself and others to release the things in this world that we cannot control, and that’s pretty much everything!  I’ve added to my tattoo over the years in hopes that people will take a second look -- not at me, but at the message. “Letting it go” continues to help me move through the world with a renewed energy, purpose, and evolving sense of self.  I’m forever grateful."

Janine Sanger

Director of Health and FACS

To find out more about this project Click Here and be sure to leave your comments below.