Musketeer Monday Part One: Janitza Morel

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: I am a Teacher Assistant at Alfano School, working with 5th grade students.

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: This is my fourth year as a Teacher Assistant.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: I previously worked at O’Neill in the kitchen for almost four years. Through my daily interactions with students, I formed strong bonds with them, which motivated me to move into the classroom and help support their educational journeys.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: I love being part of Alfano because I feel included and welcomed every day.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is when students acknowledge and thank me for the help I provide, whether it is academic or personal.

Q: What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: One memorable moment was watching the students from my first year graduate from sixth grade. Another emotional moment was seeing a senior I once served lunch to walk through the hallways during the Senior Walkthrough.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: The teacher I share a classroom with, Mrs. Crimi, has significantly inspired me. She is patient, organized, and knows how to bring humor into the classroom when it is needed.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: Hispanic Heritage Month is my favorite tradition. I love to dance, and last year Alfano hosted a wonderful assembly where we learned about instruments, dances, and cultural traditions from different Spanish-speaking countries.

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: I grew up and attended school in the Dominican Republic. In my late 30s, I migrated to the United States, where I studied Hospitality Management at New York City College of Technology. I once dreamed of becoming a pastry chef.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them.
A: One book I love is Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. It teaches that despite difficulties, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: “It always seems impossible until it is done.” — Nelson Mandela

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I love spending time with my family and baking. My specialty is baking Dominican cakes.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would like to have dinner with Mahatma Gandhi because I believe he was extraordinarily wise in his theory of nonviolent resistance.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: If I were not in education, I would own my own pastry shop.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: I would love to visit Italy. I admire the food and the beautiful scenery that I have only seen in movies.