Last week a very influential teacher in my life passed away. Honestly, it hit me pretty hard even though I hadn’t spoken to him in person in over twenty years.
Me with “Sabe,” around 1989 at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
Robert Sabourin (“Sabe,” to his students) was my choir teacher throughout junior high and high school–so I had six years of his instruction. He was strict and awesome and quirky. He hauled us across the state for honors choir, solo and ensemble competitions, and choir festivals. He even braved out of state trips with us, which allowed us to sing in cathedrals in a variety of cities. I honestly don’t know how he spent that much time with teenagers without losing his mind. He taught so many throughout the years that the outpouring on Facebook turned me into a weepy mess for most of the day. Never doubt that you make a difference in your students’ lives. You do.
Rest in peace, Sabe–your memory is definitely a blessing. Tell me about a teacher who made a difference in your life.
Hi Kim. I extend my heart to you. Good teachers really do pass on blessings to us and there’s truly a loss to the world when they pass on. I think most everyone can remember at least one that took us aside and helped us. My grade school teacher, for example, was the one who strongly encouraged me to keep writing poems. Amazing how one thing leads to another. Let us all be grateful for teachers who care.