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By: Reina Estrada
Every day, when students walk into school, and then into class, they walk by paintings on the walls that give them the motivation to be their best selves while giving a strong and positive message. What most of those students don’t know is that those large paintings that cover the walls are done mainly by one person, and their collection of dedicated students: Ms. Sarah Stobart. Stobart is the Junior Art teacher known for painting the walls of the school and bringing a colorful world to the students and staff of this school.
When you walk into Ms. Stobart's vibrantly-colored room you experience a wave of warmth. The warmth of Stobart's sweet smile as she grins from ear to ear at each student and easily welcomes them into her arms. Her sweet demeanor is not difficult to find since you easily get mesmerized by her kindness. It feels like you’re running through a field of tulips and watching the sunset settle down as a strong floral scent hits you and a wave of relaxation makes you feel like you’re in a safe environment.
I was lucky enough to steal a few minutes of time to interview Ms. Stobart, since she's always surrounded by the students who love her and are always trying to show her something new and ask her for help for a dance. As I asked the question, “What special events or circumstances in your childhood do you think shaped you to be who you are today the most?” and she replied with a personal answer “Honestly being an emancipated minor at 16, being on my own that early forced me to grow up quickly and to care of myself and keep myself as a priority” as she tells me this, she always makes eye contact and does not stutter. She cuts it short but for her to say something that was deep and personal made the air go stiff, something that wasn’t expected to hear from a teacher who always smiles and is filled with energy. Next I asked the question “What made you get into teaching?” and she responded with a heartfelt laugh “I always wanted to do something with art and realized I would have the most impact with it if I taught it” Since day one Stobart had always wanted to teach and connect with the students whom she loves all in her heart. She loves and cherishes anyone and welcomes them in an open warm embrace.
As I continued my interview, Stobart's face never frowned while talking to her, her face lit up with every question I asked and was ready to answer them, even throwing jokes in the conversation which would put anyone at ease. When I asked the question, “ How long have you been working at Neuwirth?” she responded with “This is my 5th year working here, and I’m never leaving…they’re gonna have to kick me out” she said while laughing and smirking at the camera “I want to be old and gray in these hallways with like a cane you know what I mean? I want to be, Hey how long has Stobart been here, 20 years you know? 40 years” she continued as she laughed. Her jokes and laughter are what people need to just be convinced by her sweet energy.
I happened to interview a former senior that was close with Ms Stobart despite not having her class. I asked “What do you like about Ms Stobart?” and she responded with a smile “I really like how energetic and enthusiastic she is in class and how she's always very helpful when you have questions and how passionate she is about life for expressing herself in art.” Even though the former senior had graduated, she's still aware of how nice Stobart is and how impactful Stobart leaves students. Though it was years ago, it shows that Stobart wasn’t a person who just turned nice, she has always been kind hearted and appreciated anyone who came to her room.
Here are some last words Stobart wishes every student to read in this article:
You guys are my whole heart, I take you home with me, in my brain I think about you guys all the time. I enjoy having the honor to know you for the short period of time I know you. I get a very small amount of time with you in your life and I treasure that time so much because once you leave, you're adults and that’s it you're off.
Watch this bonus video of Ms. Stobart during our interview!
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