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You would think growing up with nine siblings in a large city like Newark, Mary Colon would have a tendency to get lost in the crowd. Not a chance. A program assistant in the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mary began marching to the beat of her own drummer literally from the day she was born.
The fifth child born to Daniel and Ana Arenas in 1972, Mary entered the world on the sofa in her parents' Jersey City home. From that day on, her determination has led the way. Referred to as "mom" by many members of her family because of her motherly ways, Mary is the only child in her family to attend college, graduating from Montclair State in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in political science. She began working in Academic Affairs as a student in 1994, a job she says gave her valuable insight into personnel policies and procedures. "When I started I had no idea what sabbatical leave was," she said. "Now, I have learned so much about contracts, retention and promotion. And I've always enjoyed interacting with faculty."
At one point Mary considered law school, but changed her mind in 1993 when her son, Jonathan, was born. "My priorities changed a bit, but I always want to work in public administration," she said. Mary keeps working toward her goals and is two semesters away from earning a paralegal certificate. She also is taking classes toward a master's degree in legal studies, which she hopes to complete by 2002. "One day I'd like to be a paralegal at a state agency that involves children," she said. "And I definitely want to give something back to Newark. My sisters and brothers and I took advantage of the Boys and Girls Club there. It gave us a sense of unity, respect and maturity. It also gave us the opportunity to get involved in activities, like literacy programs, and I think we are better people because of it."
Mary, who now lives in Bloomfield with her husband, Pedro, says she enjoys her job because of the people and the work. "I love interacting with people and I love to keep busy," she said. She also loves to singÑin the office, at family gatherings with Jonathan, anywhere. "I'll be working at my desk and just break out into song," she confessed. "[Co-workers] Charlotte and Rebecca look at me and say, ÔOh no, not again!' "