Making an impact for 19 years – the story of Maranda Sobers-Stoll

– “The fact that I can impact children’s lives and help to mould our tomorrow because they are our future is what has kept me this long”

DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 5, 2018

There’s no overstating the vital role a teacher can play in an individual’s life. The amount of time they spend with students watching them grow into responsible human beings, it is not impartial to say that teachers are like second parents to many. They are influential by nature and often take advantage of opportunities to teach life lessons when they present themselves.

This is the story of the Deputy Headteacher of Hope Secondary School, Maranda Sobers-Stoll who has been in the teaching profession for 19 years. Starting her career stint in 1999 at the Annandale Secondary School, Sober-Stoll said the profession was not her intended career as she one day hoped to become a Stewardess.

After joining the teaching profession and serving 13 years at the Annandale Secondary School, Sobers-Stoll was appointed Deputy Headteacher at the Hope Secondary School, in 2002. She previous acted in the capacity as Headteacher at the school for two years.

The mother of one explained that her ability to contribute to a better tomorrow for her country is what has kept her in the profession over the years.

“We can really impact children’s lives, we are their second parents and they love us as teachers. The fact that I can impact children’s lives and help to mould our tomorrow because they are our future is what has kept me this long. When you see them out there and they can get good jobs, it makes a difference,” Sobers-Stoll said.

The deputy headteacher related that her experience as a teacher over time has led her to want more from the profession.

After graduating from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and obtaining her degree in Biology-Chemistry from the University of Guyana, Sobers-Stoll completed the Post Graduate Degree in Administration and Master’s Degree in Measurement and Evaluation.

Highlighting some of her favourite moments, the deputy headteacher recounted her most memorable moment being a surprised celebration on her birthday by her (then) 11th-grade students at Annandale Secondary. She explained the surprise continued the following year at home, even after the students graduated. “I felt special and it really showed me that we as teachers have a great impact on our students.”

With her wealth of experience, the deputy headteacher had encouraging words for young teachers and persons interested in joining the profession. “The profession is a noble one and it can only be as noble as you make it. As teachers, whether young or old we need to carry ourselves in a manner that is suiting and deserving of this job. Those aspiring to come into the profession, I want to say it is no easy road, it is rough but there are many good times. Be prepared to work hard because it is what we do.”

Sobers-Stoll is also a lecturer at the CPCE. She plans to continue serving her country by moulding the minds of the younger generation “for a brighter tomorrow”.

Crystal Stoll

Image: Ackeem Thomas