Along with going to school, working and the other commitments being a student entails, free time to pursue other interests is hard to come by.

A Sacramento State student has accomplished pursuing her interests by writing her own children’s book, “The Unaccepted Child.”

Marie Celestin is a graduating senior and mother, but decided to attempt to publish a story she wrote for her daughter after she realized the positive effect it can have on children.

“The book’s message is to promote self-esteem and to offer solutions of dealing with the rejection that we all experience growing up,” Celestin said.

The insecurities didn’t all develop from her daughter. Celestin felt similar feelings after attending Sac State as an older woman.

“The book can be relatable on so many levels,” Celestin said.

Once a business major, Celestin switched to English after the enjoyment she experienced while writing the book and the success the book has achieved.

When deciding to publish her book on her own, her business skills really came in handy.Celestin found her own illustrator online, found her own printer and funded the entire process herself.

“I didn’t want to have to deal with the rejection of looking for a publisher,” Celestin said.

Although the experience of publishing the book herself was very taxing, and very expensive, it was all worth it.

Celestin has already made back in sales everything that she put into the book. For Celestin, though, it wasn’t about the money.

“It’s never was about the money,” Celestin said. “It is about the message.”

The story was written for her oldest daughter, who was having feelings of rejection and insecurity because of issues at school.

Celestin’s goal has already been achieved, with the book being published, but she hopes that the book is available in every library, and would love for it to become part of every elementary school’s required curriculum.

Although Celestin has been featured in the Sacramento Bee twice, her greatest feeling of achievement came when she discovered her biggest idol owned “The Unaccepted Child.”

“I heard the Maya Angelou had my book,” she said. “It was the greatest moment of my life.”

Celestin has already completed her next children’s book, which will be out later this year and “The Unaccepted Child” is available in the Hornet Bookstore.