A Profile Of Sean Marr

A Nest 679, Aliquippa, Pa., member, Sean Marr is someone that likes to expand his horizons. “I have always been aware of my roots because my immediate and extended family on both sides have maintained ethnic traditions and maintained a cultural awareness of who we were and where we came from,” he wrote in his application letter, adding that his cultural heritage is very much a part of him today. This is evident with his desire to learn about yet another culture in his studies.

A junior at Penn State University, Sean is studying World Languages with an emphasis in Spanish Education. Earlier this year, Sean took part in Penn State’s study abroad program, which meant taking classes at the University of Seville in Spain as well as studying for a semester in Puebla, Mexico. He eventually hopes that these overseas experiences will help him in his goal for being certified to teach English as a foreign language.

Even though Sean is studying Spanish culture, he is Polish at heart. He still remembers the annual Octoberfest fundraisers at Doylestown, Pa., from his younger days. “As a child, my fondest memories are of my extended family attending Christmas Eve Mass at the Shrine of Cz"stochowa, followed by the entire extended family gathering at my house immediately following church for a dinner of pierogi and fish,” he wrote in his application letter.

As a member of the Penn State’s crew team, Sean said that having to wake up at 5 a.m. each day to train with his teammates taught him about setting goals, dedication and teamwork. He has also taken part in Penn State’s glee club and theater productions. His volunteer work includes spending time at a food bank in Philadelphia, Pa., and performing landscaping projects. In addition, Sean has been a counselor for a youth sports club and a volunteer for the March of Dimes.