Name and age – Marissa Zacarolli, 20 years old
What program are you in and what made you choose it? Bachelor of Science in Forensics Investigation. I had just graduated from Venice High School, where I met Dr. Marmaro. I had the opportunity to speak with him, he inspired me about the program, and I enrolled. Coming to KU for an open house, I wasn’t sure what I was going to major in, however meeting Dr. Marmaro at his table, he had all kinds of forensics stuff and equipment on display. He explained what he had on display, then we went to tour the Forensics Lab where I fell in love with all of it, the program, the filed and I knew this is what I wanted to do.
How did you decide to attend KU? Actually, I had no idea what college I was going to go to. My mom encouraged me to visit KU, and we took a drive to KU for the open house to check it out. I loved the fact that its local, because I wanted to stay as close to home as possible and get the best education.
What do you like best about KU? Small atmosphere, small classes, all the general education teachers are amazing, and this includes Dr. Marmaro and Lt. Sullivan. They certainly make it all worthwhile coming to school every day. Also, delivering one class at a time, keeps me focused an,d for me, it’s the best way to learn.
Tell us what you like most about your field and what your ideal job will be after graduation? It’s hard because there are so many different things. I like that my major can expand to different fields, as I move along in my program, I am exposed to different areas. Currently I am volunteering with the Sarasota County Forensic Department and the best part of it, I am mentored by an alumni graduate from KU. By volunteering at the county, and I will be starting my internship this coming December, it’s providing me the opportunity to explore my options, as to what I like and love about the field. The internship will provide me with foot in the door and the next step of finding my first job in the field of Forensic Investigation.
What is something not a lot of people know about you? Lot of people are surprised by the fact that I picked Forensics. They thought this is completely out of left field, I’ve never even watched CSI on TV. I don’t watch the show today, either. I was very quiet in high school and I had no clue what I wanted to do after high school.
Name an item on your bucket list? I would love to visit my mom’s home on a trip to Azores, Portugal. After I graduate I want to work in the field that I grew to love from day one. And one more thing, my dream since I could walk and talk is to own my own Corvette.
Do you have a favorite quote/saying/piece of advice for your fellow students or someone thinking about your program? My favorite quote “be kind to others” and make your bed, as my mom has told me every day since I can remember. Making you bed sets the tone for your entire day, someone told me.
Piece of advice, stick with it, it’s tough, but at the end it’s all worth it. Especially if it’s what you love to do!
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
