ents are from a region called Pico, located near Rome in the mountains,” De Martino said. Before I ask De Martino what her favorite fashion and/or accessory item is, I can already guess the answer. “My fashion accessory that I must have on at all times is earrings. I have over 55 pairs organized in two drawers. I never leave the house without a pair on and if I were to, I have a back up pair in my wallet. (Small generic cubic zirconia studs),” she said. Want to know how I already knew earrings would be the answer? De Martino shakes her hips, butt and hoop earrings unlike anyone I’ve ever seen before in every single Zumba class. True to her statement, I’ve never seen her without earrings. TS: “What is your best memory as a child?” ND: “I had a yellow, blue, green and red Fisher Price kitchen set that I would pretend I was a waitress for all my costumers. I played with this kitchen set throughout middle school. It’s amazing how times have changed. Cell phones and Facebook were nonexistent and I am grateful for that. I cherish the memories of going outside to play and actually playing with toys and board games. My cabbage patch dolls, of course, were my favorite. I still have them and hope to pass them down to my daughter one day.” TS: “Where did you attend school/college? Do you plan to continue your education?” ND: “I attended Rhode Island College located in Providence, Rhode Island. I studied for four years and earned a bachelor’s of science. My degree includes elementary education 1-6 with a concentration in special education K-8. I wasn’t a fan of the college years at all. I had to work nights at a bank and I was constantly tired and had to study long hours, as test-taking is not an area of strength for me. However, I did graduate in 2006 with honors. I am currently working towards a Masters degree in education.” TS: “Tell me more about being a special education teacher.” ND: “I am a special education educator in the public school system. I have been teaching for 10 years. It is the most challenging job each year. You never know what the school year will bring. However, at the end of the year you can see the accomplishments you made with your students. It’s also really nice when those that come back to visit you tell you that you were their favorite teacher.” TS: “What was your best vacation/travel experience?” ND: “The best vacation was in 2006 when I traveled to Greece with two male friends and my best friend that I was able to reconnect with after two years of not speaking. Although she hadn’t spoken to me in two years, we ran into each other and she asked me to travel with her to Greece. I was confused and hesitant but knew there had to be a reason for me running into her at the market. I was graduating college and felt that I deserved this trip. The trip brought us together again and for 14 days we hopped around the islands of Greece.” TS: “What’s your favorite animal and why?” ND: “Giraffes are my favorite animal. They are tall and walk with grace throughout the zoo. What’s the first animal you see at the zoo? A giraffe of course! And they have long eyelashes, which every girl loves.” TS: “What is your favorite holiday and why?” ND: “I love the Christmas Holiday season. Actually from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is the best time of year. It is filled with decorating, laughter, food, fun creative beverages (wink wink) shopping, wrapping and giving to those less fortunate, always. Yes, of course it’s stressful and we are all running around but that moment when you make someone a little less fortunate smile, or visit children at a hospital and deliver toys gathered from a Zumbathon fundraiser, the stress fades away. It is also the one time of year when you can wear all the glitter and jewels you want and no one can judge.” TS: “What the biggest piece of advice you have for other up and coming models/actors out there?” ND: “Just keep going! Never give up! Listen to your heart and your biggest cheerleader, they will always help you. Ask the Universe to guide you when you are hesitant with a decision.”
“The stunning model, motivational speaker and designer Ashley Graham. She is my idol and motivator. She eludes beauty and confidence when she talks, walks and takes pictures....”
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