Leah Drebit - Immac Student to Immac Teacher - 1997 and beyond!

 Leah Drebit
 

Immac Student to Immac Teacher
1997 and beyond!

Which years did you attend Immaculata as a student?    

 1997-2002

What are your best memories of being a student at Immaculata?  

My favourite memories at Immaculata are on the basketball court (especially playing in competitive tournaments like the Mustang Classic, Catholics, and Provincial Championships), in the classroom with amazing teachers like Fran Hooker, Kevin Judd, Ed K., and Brian Drosdovech, and the millions of laughs with my girlfriends who became my lifelong friends (shout out to LB, NC, MC, CC, and DI!).  I was also fortunate to be part of the Immac travel club in 2001 – we went to France and Italy. It was an unforgettable experience!

What were you like in high school?

Hmm… I’ll be really vague here.  I was a little nerdy and a little cool. I was insecure but blessed with really good friends. I was a good student on paper, but didn’t always make good student choices behind the scenes!

What did you like the most about Immaculata as a student?

I remember resenting the fact that Immac was a small school in grade 9 – I wanted to meet more people and go to a bigger school. However, in my senior years, the smallness of our school became what I appreciated most about Immaculata. I was so comfortable with all the students in my class, the teachers were always approachable, and my gifts were recognized.  The Immac community was my second home.

What life lessons did you learn at Immaculata?

I learned that hard work on the court and in the classroom develop character and good habits for lifelong success.  Developing a strong work ethic always pays off and it spills over into all areas of life. 

 What advice could you offer the current Mustangs?

 Be involved in your school beyond the classroom.  Play sports, be part of clubs,   volunteer. You could say I was over-involved in extra curricular activities,   including sports, travel club, band trips, drama club, volunteering, etc, etc. I’ve   never regretted any of it!

After Immaculata, where did life take you?

I started post-secondary education at Okanagan University College here in Kelowna, taking general studies. Then I changed direction and moved to Alberta and attended John Paul II Bible School where I rediscovered my Catholic faith. I took the year to focus on prayer, self growth, and finding God’s purpose for my life. A couple of years later, through a series of opportunities and mishaps, I eventually ended up in Saskatchewan. I studied at the U of S in Saskatoon, where I completed my B.A. and B.Ed. and worked for Face to Face Catholic Ministries.  I started my teaching career in Saskatoon and thought it would be home for many years… but then, in 2013, I got the call from my former principal, John Campbell, who had a job offer for me. Long story short, I took the job, and came back to my alma mater as a teacher.     

 What is your current role at Immaculata?

 I teach Math 9, Math 10, Religion 10, and Religion 12 with my job share partner   (and mentor!) Rhonda Sali. We are so fortunate to have a unique combination of   teachable subjects in common – we work well together and LOVE teaching math   and religion!

Why do you choose to work at Immaculata?

I choose to work at Immaculata because I care about the legacy and future of our school. It’s the only Catholic high school in our city (and our diocese!) and that is a HUGE deal to me.  I’m so grateful for the freedom we have to pray in our school, learn about our Catholic faith, and receive the Sacraments. I’m fortunate to have been part of this community as a student and now as a teacher and alumnus. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy working with young people. My students inspire me to be a better teacher and a better person. I love that Immaculata is a small school and I get to know almost every student that comes through the doors.  There’s a lot to be said about quality student/teacher relationships.  I can honestly say that every student I’ve taught has taught me something about life and learning. My favourite moments in the classroom are the “Ah-ha” moments when something suddenly clicks for a student – whether it be a concept in mathematics or a realization about God – it is truly amazing to watch this happen!

What life lessons do you hope to convey to our students?

• God has a purpose for each of their lives and His plans for them are good. 
• Embrace your uniqueness – only YOU can become the best version of YOU – no one else can do that.  

What is the best lesson you’ve learned from your students?

Don’t judge people… just don’t!  We all come from different backgrounds, we all have different experiences, we all have different gifts, and we all have different struggles and shortcomings that contribute to who we are.  We don’t know the burdens each person carries that crosses our path, nor how they are handling those burdens.  So treat everyone with empathy and love, no matter how hard that might be!  I’m very grateful many of my students have taught me this lesson over and over.

Who are the most important people in your life?

My husband, Mike, and our three sons, Fletcher, Benjamin, and Luke. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

What spare time?! I have three sons age five and under. I don’t know what spare time is anymore!!