Musketeer Monday Part One: Nina Moran

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

Musketeer Monday Part One: Nina Moran, Morrow

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: I am a 1st Grade Bilingual Teacher.

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / your current field do you have?
A: I have 18 years of experience in education.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: My mom inspired me to become a teacher, as she was a teacher herself. She came to this country as a bilingual student, taught herself English, and became a U.S. citizen. She attended college through academic scholarships and showed me that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, you can make it anywhere by manifesting your dreams.
I feel that I’m an example of this for my students — to dream big and achieve anything their hearts desire.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: I enjoy trying to make a difference in the population of students that I teach. I feel that I can relate to them because I grew up and was raised in a similar way.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a student I once had as a first grader — who at one time only spoke Spanish — excel in high school and go on to pursue their own career and dreams.

Q: What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: I feel like a rockstar when my students from previous years say hello and give me hugs. My most memorable and proudest moment was seeing a former fourth-grade bilingual student I once taught become the salutatorian of her graduating class.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: Two people who have made a great impact on me are Charlotte Spies-Frikser and Maureen Esposito. They have always supported me throughout my teaching career.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: Hosting Hispanic Heritage at Morrow is an amazing event. I love hearing and seeing how students enjoy talking about their culture and expressing how proud they are of it.
The Senior Walk-Through is also exciting for me this year — it will be the first time I get to see my former first graders graduate from high school!

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in North Bay Shore and attended the Brentwood School District.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A: My favorite book is The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I enjoy this book because it’s about discovering life’s purpose through unexpected connections. I believe we all have a purpose in life, and the people we meet — whether we know them well or not — help us along our journey and can make a real difference in our personal lives.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: “Happiness is the key to life!” and “A mother’s love is everlasting.”

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I enjoy going for runs, exercising at the gym, doing hot yoga, taking long walks and being one with nature, dancing, traveling, spending time with my family and close friends, and cuddling with my beagle named Luna.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: I don’t have a particular historical figure or celebrity in mind, but if I had the opportunity, I would choose to have dinner with my mom one more time.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you’re in now, what career would you choose?
A: I would work in fashion and/or become an event planner for prominent figures while living in New York City.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, or experience)?
A: I would love to jump from an airplane and run the New York City Marathon.