The Blue and White interviewed a popular teacher at Apopka High School, Mr. Chabot, to see about his life in and out of school.
What subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Digital Photography and Graphic Arts.
Which subject is your favorite to teach and why?
Though these classes are intertwined, I enjoy teaching the “graphics” side more than photography, as I do a lot of freelance graphic arts stuff myself.
How long have you been teaching at Apopka High School?
This is my 11th year at Apopka High.
What are your likes and dislikes about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is being able to help people and make an impact in lives every day, and to be able to see people discover new passions and things that make their lives just a little bit more enjoyable. The main thing I dislike about teaching is facing the apathy of young learners who may feel overwhelmed or insignificant in this world.
What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?
The most interesting thing about me is probably my diverse array of hobbies— I’m equal parts Cooking, Crafting, Wakeboarding, Weightlifting, Woodworking, Drawing, Dice-Rolling, Writing, and Video gaming. (These are also things he likes to do outside of school.)
What are your favorite video games to play?
Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy 7, and Dark Souls.
What is your all time favorite movie or tv show and why?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, because of its blend of fantasy, reality, and adventure.
In what ways do you connect with your students?
I try to connect with my students by being authentic. I think it’s important for students to know that their teachers are humans with the same flaws, favorites, and passions and shortcomings as every other human being, and that it doesn’t serve us to be anything but ourselves in the pursuit of becoming better.
What sparked your interest in photography?
My interest in photography was actually sparked by my mother’s graduation gift to me—a Canon “Rebel” Camera (the same kind we use in class!) that I taught myself to use and began to fall in love with photography/digital art.
What is your favorite thing about photography?
It is a form of art that pretty much anyone can do, learn, and become great at. Especially these days, photography is so accessible that almost anyone can flex their creativity with visual art.
