Maria Palar

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“Transferring was a no brainer. There was no decision to make. In order to be competent and successful in my career pursuits, I must maintain a constant flow of knowledge. When I decided to return to college, it was a commitment for life.”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Somset, NJ
  • Hometown: Somerset, NJ
  • Age: 33

Biography

Profile: Balance.  Maria Palar is constantly struggling to balance her college studies with the many community service organizations she gives her time and energy to...as well as being the mother of a teenager.  Maybe she’ll never find the right balance, but it really doesn’t seem to matter as the thirty-something academically late-bloomer graduated with honors from Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and filled a page in her resume with service organizations she’s an integral part of and, most importantly, has a delightful and intelligent daughter.  Garden State native Maria seemingly can’t turn her back on a cause if it involves social justice.  She is the person who others turn to for advice and a word of support.  The “Jersey girl” with a heart of gold is bound for big things.

Inspiration:  Maria said there have been many individuals who influenced her throughout her life. Her parents inspired her through their strength and their will to succeed.  Then at RVCC her dream of success was fulfilled largely due to the constant words of encouragement from her Phi Theta Kappa advisors. In addition, there have been professors who challenged Maria to find her own direction.  “But ultimately it comes down to one: my daughter, Niasia. She inspires me as much as I inspire her. She pushes me to be better as much as I press her. She has been my driving force; my muse if you will. For every action I take towards self betterment, she is stepping in the same direction. I am eternally grateful for her joyful spirit and positive reinforcement towards everything I do.” 

Aspiration:  Once she receives her undergraduate degree in sociology, Maria will go on for graduate study.  Right now her career path is heading toward some position in social research or urban studies.  Journalism is not out of the question either. 

Making a Difference: Maria said if she were to spotlight one specific achievement during her academic pursuits, it would be when she was chosen to give the student address at RVCC’s commencement.  Let Maria explain in her own words: “This was truly an honor for me, but more importantly, for my family. For the very first time, my mother and my father, along with other members of my family, had the opportunity to see me speak publicly in front of a crowd. What made this experience even more exciting is that I did not even tell them beforehand. Not only were they thoroughly surprised and overjoyed, but they probably were never more proud of me. It was a surreal moment.”

Accolades:  Maria was selected as the 2011 Student Commencement Speaker at RVCC and was named the 2011 Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Regional Officer.  In 2009, she earned recognition as a member of the All New Jersey State Academic Team.

Interesting Fact:  Maria has two sisters that are the same age as her daughter. “In fact, one of them is six months younger than her so my daughter is actually older then her aunt!”

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