"Do what makes you the happiest, listen to those who genuinely support you, help others in need, and live each day like it is your last."

An Exceptional Student
Marc Rolla, current recipient of the Jefferies Family Scholarship, graduated from State University of New York at Cortland with a degree in Childhood Education K-6 in May 2007 and is currently finishing up his semester of student teaching. While in school, Marc has achieved a series of honors, including President's List, Dean's list, a Maxwell Education Award, and was inducted into PHI BETA DELTA and honor Society for international scholars while he was studying abroad in Australia. Outside of academia, Marc participated in recreational basketball, softball, football and volleyball leagues and was a member of the golf club and the education club. In addition, he also worked with 1st grade student as a volunteer for the Cortland school district. Once his degree is complete, he plans to join the Peace Corps or the Americorps.

A passion for helping people
Marc has loved working with children all his life. "I have always had an interest in molding young minds and making them productive members of society," says Marc. His desire to help people has led him to do volunteer work throughout college. He has volunteered for the Salvation Army, the Migrant Outreach program, and has worked with children whose parents migrated around the country following the crop. "It was a rewarding and emotional experience," says Marc. "I think it is important for everyone to do as much as they can to help others in need," says Marc.

Inspiring attitude and dreams
Marc would like to travel the world. He has always had a desire to learn about other cultures, and he feels seeing the world would help broaden his understanding of other cultures and enhance his ability as a teacher. Marc plans to integrate his experiences and knowledge gained through travel into his future lectures to encourage his students to be open-minded and understand that people are different all around the world. In ten years, Marc hopes to be making a difference by helping people and by being a successful teacher. He also hopes to have a loving and supportive family. "I want to be well traveled and have many new adventures accomplished. Lastly, I just want my family and I to be happy and healthy," says Marc.

JFS - A Second Family
Marc is extremely grateful to the Jefferies Family Scholarship program. He credits the program for helping him find his true calling in life—teaching. Marc has found comfort to know that other people besides his family believe in him. "The Jefferies Family Scholarship program has been like a second family that encouraged me to do well in school," says Marc. Marc's brother, Erik, was also a JFS recipient and graduated from Long Island University at Southampton in 2002. Marc is also very thankful for his father's support throughout the years. Edward Rolla is an International Security Settlements Clerk at Jefferies and has been with the Firm since 1993. "My parents have sacrificed a lot so that my siblings and I could fulfill our goals and aspirations in life. I cannot thank them enough for all they do for me," says Marc.