Marjorie Gasser

Marjorie Gasser has never shied away from creatures that some people think are gross or slimy.

"When I would play with snakes all the women in the family were very unhappy!"

What may have turned off adults decades ago excites children at Port Salerno Elementary school.

Students in third grade say Mrs Gasser taught them about the parts of an earthworm. They learned they have five hearts and don't feel gross.

Mrs Gasser who retired from Merck Pharmaceuticals as a chemist, has been volunteering at this school since it opened three years ago.

But she didn't start in the science lab -- she started by helping children learn to read.

"'Cause I'm a poor reader and I always felt in my case of someone had given me extra help..I might have been better at it."

She still reads to students, but can be found in the classroom five days a week assisting Mrs. Nolan.

Jollyn Nolan says, "she is an extra set of hands, and extra voice -- all kids crave her attention."

Marjorie says, "I get the fun part. I don't have to discipline them, or the planning. I just go around and ask if they'd like some help."

In the process, she inspires children, especially girls, and proves science is fun.

To Marjorie Gasser, this is her calling.

"It is to me -- the nearest thing. I don't know about other people -- all my life I wondered what would I do with my life. Right now this is what I want to do."