He Was Told He Wasn't College Material: How He Proved Them Wrong and Interviewed Bill Clinton
Marvin was born in July 1943 in the Lower East Side of New York. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, a condition that made his life more challenging than most. However, this did not deter Marvin from pursuing his dreams.
After graduating from Yeshiva Hachel Torah, Marvin went to the Department of Vocation and Education where a counselor told him that he was not college material. Undeterred, Marvin was determined to prove him wrong and enrolled in New York City Community College, commuting daily from Lower Manhattan to the Bronx. During his first semester, Marvin took a class with Dr. Abend, and despite initial skepticism, he excelled and earned an A. Impressed by Marvin's dedication and achievements, the counselor who doubted him recommended his admission to Queens College. As a result, Marvin transferred and continued his academic journey.
Finding Success: A Career in City Planning and a Vocation in Journalism
While studying at Queens College, Marvin began writing letters to the editors of various Jewish newspapers. Impressed by his work, one editor recommended him to contribute to additional publications. This led to Elliot Jaeger and William Rapfogel appointing him as the head writer for their local newspaper. Marvin's passion for writing persisted throughout his college years, and he successfully earned both a BA and an MA in Political Science upon graduation.
In 1975, following his graduation, Marvin embarked on a career in city planning while simultaneously working as a writer for the newspaper. Over time, Marvin transitioned from his local newspaper to become a journalist for prominent publications, providing him with invaluable opportunities to interview notable figures such as Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev.
What Marvin found most rewarding about his career was the opportunity to meet many fascinating and insightful individuals, learning from their experiences. Additionally, he found fulfillment in giving a voice to those who had been unheard and sharing their stories with the world. He eventually retired from city planning in 2012 after 37 years of dedicated service.
Marvin's Advice: Never Let Anyone Tell You That You Can't Achieve Your Dreams
Marvin's advice to those who may be facing obstacles in their lives is to never give up, always believe in themselves, and surround themselves with supportive individuals who also believe in their potential. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on personal strengths and putting in the effort to overcome weaknesses. Above all, Marvin underscores the importance of never allowing others to tell them that they can't achieve their dreams.
Marvin’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, hard work, and a determined mindset. Despite the numerous challenges he encountered, he refused to let them define him. Instead, he directed his focus towards his strengths and passion for writing. Marvin's remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to individuals from all walks of life and demonstrates that with the right attitude and a commitment to pursuing their goals, anything is possible.
