Knowing she had potential , she also recognized that one of the most essential things for change is accepting the need for change .
“ I have proven that it ' s not always the brightest , who will shine . It is the person who wants it more , who is more committed , and who demonstrates self-discipline .
Marsha grew up with her maternal grandmother and both her parents . They demonstrated some attributes that she embraces and lives with her today --- compassion , forgiveness , and the value of education . She speaks especially about her grandmother , who epitomizes compassion and care . Her consistency in exhibiting these qualities has impacted the way Marsha deals with situations . “ I might not forget things , but I ' m going to forgive you . I try always to demonstrate understanding .” Her grandmother was first and consistently told her how beautiful she was and that she had “ the most beautiful eyes .” Referencing her mother and grandmother ' s sacrifices to ensure that she was properly educated and supported and that she believed in herself , Marsha called them , “ symbolic of the strength , commitment and resilience of a woman ” emphasizing that she strives to epitomize the same qualities .
AN EMPOWERED JOURNEY
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step . One was all Dr . Smalling needed . She will quickly tell you that she went from being an underperforming student at Glenmuir to becoming its principal . Marsha never gave much thought to that accomplishment until writing her book . Still thoughtful that sometimes humility can be confused with just living out loud and celebrating achievements , it resonated with her that “ this is a big thing that I should use to inspire others .” In retrospect , Marsha accepts that she didn ' t underperform in high school because she wasn ' t capable . She is convinced it was a “ mindset thing ” that could be changed .
Having experienced firsthand the taste of defeat , Marsha vowed , in that immediate moment , that she would never again hang her head in disappointment or embarrassment after completing an academic pursuit . Determined to keep the promise she made to herself , Marsha shared , “ I just always keep the end in mind and work towards it .
Accepting that along the way to accomplishing our dreams , it is without a doubt that there are going to be adversities .” In those moments of adversity , Marsha convinces herself that she is a strong person who will face those difficulties and transform them into achievements . And that ' s what she did , following through successfully with that commitment , underscoring the fact that her transformation was an intentional one .
Marsha excelled at teachers ’ college earning her diploma and quickly registered for the Bachelor ’ s degree program . Motivated to flourish despite her diagnosis and related challenges , the adversities , and the hospitalizations , in 2006 , Marsha received first-class honors at the Bachelor ' s level . She was hospitalized with Pneumonia for two weeks leading up to finals . Still persevering through her diagnosis , she obtained her Masters degree , and entered the Doctoral Program with the ambition of completing her degree in three years . While her self-imposed timeline was extended by a year , in 2013 , Marsha was selected to serve as the valedictorian at the doctoral level . Evidenced by her selection , she explained , “ I have proven that it ' s not always the brightest , who will shine . It is a person who wants it more , who is more committed , and who demonstrates selfdiscipline . Underscoring the power of persistence , focus , and determination to succeed , she shared that she was hospitalized three times during the pursuit of her degree . The accomplishment of her Bachelor ’ s degree and her selection as graduate valedictorian at the Doctoral level , revealed her true strength and solidifies her belief that pity will not push her to achieve her goals .
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