Marita McComiskey - A True Diamond In This Rough World

I first met Marita when I switched majors in my sophomore year of college and was assigned a new advisor.  I can still recall the first time I stepped into her office:  I was feeling particularly down that day, and unsure of the direction I was taking both in my personal and in my academic lives.  I sat sullenly in my seat as I watched her shuffle some papers around, expecting to be treated as just another faceless number.  Needless to say, I was quite surprised when she turned around, gave me a huge friendly smile, and welcomed me to the program.  Although I had never met this woman before, she gave off such a genuinely warm vibe that I knew she took a greatly personal interest in each and every one of her students.

As time went on, my hunch proved correct.  Unlike other academic advisors I had had in the past, Marita was concerned with only one thing:  discovering what it was her students loved to do, and helping them make the most of their passions. 

The following year, I took a class taught by Marita, and it ended up being one of the most eye-opening, life-changing, and amazingly consciousness-altering experiences of my life.  Marita’s mantra was this: the most important thing one human being can do for another human being is to affirm that person.  And she certainly lived up to her doctrine:  Marita’s constant encouragement, kind words, and support far exceeded the basic requirements of an advisor and professor.  She had a vested interest in encouraging each and every one of her students to make the most of their talents in order to do good in the world.  She truly believed that each of us could make a difference; that each of us could effectively change the world with our visions, our minds, our passions and goals.  Never in my life have I received so many kind words of support and encouragement as I did from Marita--not even from my own parents!  She truly saw the potential in every one of us to make our world a more peaceable, kind, equitable place.

Throughout the remainder of my college career, Marita played many roles in my life: professor, advisor, boss.  But the most important role she played was that of mentor and friend.  She daily reminded me of my own worth, and affirmed my belief that the world truly can be changed one person at a time.  Marita, if you ever happen to come across this, I want you to know that it was your kindness and courage and passion that truly convinced me that there is still some good left in humanity.  I feel that a simple “thank you” could never be enough to express my gratitude, but I suppose it’ll have to do.  So, thank you, Marita; you’re truly a beautiful human being!