About Samara Marie

Having been born and raised in Inglewood, CA, I now proudly call New York City my home. I've been an elementary school teacher a little over 20 years, having taught grades first through fifth. It seems that teaching is what I was meant to do in life, and it is also what I love to do. One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Camus: "Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present." I do give my all to prepare my students to become our future activists, educators, doctors, and the list goes on. The opportunities are out there, and I want my students to grab hold of them.      One of my other passions is writing. I thank my middle school English teacher, Mr. Roger Lawson, for introducing me to poetry writing. He taught me how to use the very powerful tool of written expression, which I value so much. I have writing to thank for getting me through my darkest moments. Writing, along with faith, was my saving grace, while growing up. I don't consider myself a professional writer, but I do use writing as a tool to help me process the heavy weight that the world places on my shoulders sometimes. Writing provides me with another way to express my emotions. Besides my actual voice, writing is my favorite go to tool of self expression.      What else about me? I have a love of music. One of my very first posts on this site was a poem that I wrote about my love of music. I'm someone who has an adventurous spirit. I enjoy everything ranging from sports to shopping (I collect sneakers). I can go from spending time at the beach all day to watching sports all day. I've been a WWE fan since I was a kid. I may live in New York, but I will always be a Dodgers fan. Having been an athlete until I graduated from college ( I ran track), working out is a must for me. I love to read, I love to learn, I love people, and I love life. I have many more interests. There's several layers of me. At the end of the day, I love and I am proud of the person that I see in the mirror.