Posted March 05, 2025
When people are getting ready to graduate college, many start looking for jobs in their field, but for some, it may open their eyes to new opportunities.
Marilyn Scott, Director of Disability Services and Ministries, attended Kent State University and studied Sociology. Once she graduated, she started looking for jobs.
She heard from her niece that the principal of her school, OLA Saint Joseph Center, a Catholic grade school for individuals with disabilities, was taking on a new position and looking for a secretary.
“I thought, ‘Well, I’ll do it...until I can find a job, I like better,’” Marilyn said.
However, she felt this was her calling once she started getting more involved with the other programs.
“As I moved out of being a secretary and more into the programs, that’s when it kind of started my thinking going, ‘wow, I actually kind of like this,’” Marilyn said.
One of her favorite moments working with people with disabilities is her first experience at a Halloween dance night.
“It was just this really cool experience to be able to see all these individuals having a blast... and just enjoying their evening with music and dancing like anyone else would,” Marilyn said.
Like any other job, there are times when you may get caught up in the grind of working, but it’s important to remember why you’re there in the first place.
“[when] you go out to one of the programs, whether it’s the camp program or the dance, and you are able to stop and realize that this is why we do what we do,”
Certain skills are necessary for success when working with individuals with disabilities, and Marilyn learned these from her mother.
“She [her mom] taught us to love everyone just by herself, loving us and loving everyone,” Marilyn said. “She had zero judgment.”
Marilyn grew up with seven older siblings, and her mom stayed home to raise them.
“My mom was definitely the stay-at-home mom who raised her children and didn’t work through those years,” Marilyn said, “She did it in this way that was just so dignified and so respected,”
Marilyn sees her mom, sisters, nieces, and team as inspirations, and she celebrates them during March for Women’s History Month.
Marilyn hopes to inspire other women as well.
Marilyn’s message to the younger generation of women is to be true to yourself, not judge others, and let it be known that you are capable of doing anything.
“Don’t underestimate women. We can do all of it; we can do everything.” Marilyn said.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
