Up Close: Katie Schnable
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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
When Katie Schnable visited a Russian orphanage in 2003 - her first trip outside the United States - she recalls being tackled by children the moment she stepped into the building.
"After a short time there, all I wanted to do was be with these precious kids," she said.
A 2001 graduate of Loudoun Valley High School, and current special education teacher at Heritage High School, the 26-year-old has organized a charity exhibit for the orphans that will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg.
Titled "Orphans Expressing Themselves Through Art," the auction consists of paintings and drawings by the orphans, as well as some of Schnable's photographs.
In this e-mail interview, Schnable shared with us her thoughts on volunteering in Russia and teaching at Heritage High School.
Q: You first traveled to Russia in 2003. What did you see during the visit that had the greatest impression on you?
A: I had never been out of the country (never even been on a plane) so I had no idea what to expect. The second I walked off the bus and into the orphanage I was tackled by dirty, disabled orphans speaking words that I couldn't understand. I wanted to go home right then and there.
After a short time there all I wanted to do was be with these precious kids. I was overwhelmed by the joy that flowed out of these children. They were so happy despite their limited resources. These kids demonstrated that joy cannot be found in circumstances.
Q: How many times have you been to Moscow since then, and how many orphanages have you visited?
Charity Corkey
A special education teacher at Heritage High School, 26-year-old Katie Schnable has organized a charity art exhibit for Russian orphans at the Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg.
A: I will travel to Moscow this December and this will be my ninth trip to the Moscow region. I travel to two particular orphanages regularly (Sergiev Posad, and Dimitrov). I also visit the kids that have been sent away from the orphanage because they turned 18 (they go to an "adult orphanage"). When I was in college I spent a summer there and volunteered with the English program at Moscow Forest University in Mytische (Moscow region).
Q: Why have you decided to volunteer your time this way?
A: It is hard for anyone to understand unless you have been to these orphanages and seen these kids. I feel compelled to go back and visit with the kids and see the progress in the orphanage. It's an honor to be invited into these children's lives and watch them grow. I learn something from these children every time I go.
Q:Tell us about the exhibit that you are hosting this Friday.
A: Nov. 7 is a night of awareness and support for the orphans of the Moscow region of Russia. The children have done all the art that will be on display (there will be 16 silent auction pieces and 150 other pieces for sale). I will sell my Russian photography.
The money will go back to the kids to benefit their everyday lives. It will be at Lightfoot Restaurant from 6-10 ... everyone is invited to participate in this event that is a part of Leesburg's First Friday Gallery Walk.
Raise a Voice, Art by Russian Orphans
- When: Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Lightfoot Restaurant, 11 N King St, Leesburg
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: Not available
Q: How did the children react when you asked them to participate in this project?
A: I was actually not the actual person that asked the kids. I do know that they were very excited to know that Americans were going to see their art work.
Q: In the process of volunteering, have you learned Russian? What other things have you learned?
A: I have learned some Russian. I can communicate OK with the kids but I can't talk intellectually with a native Russian speaker.
Q: You attended James Madison University after graduating from Loudoun Valley High School. What brought you back to Loudoun County after college? And what do you enjoy most about your job as a special education teacher at Heritage High School?
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A: I applied for a lot of jobs in different places but all things pointed back to Loudoun. There are jobs here and I needed money so it worked out. I like the diversity of students at Heritage and all the fun personalities that the kids add to the day.
Q: Tell us how your work with the orphans affects you as a teacher.
A: Working with the orphans has taught me a lot of patience and has helped me to roll with the punches ... both important things for teachers. Also, working with the orphans has helped me to not take life so seriously. Having a sense of humor is important for enjoying life and work. Life is too short to get bothered by the small stuff.
Q: What do you think makes Loudoun County special and/or different from other areas in the state?
A: Loudoun is a good place to raise a family. I am fortunate to have grown up here and get the education that Loudoun offers.
Tagged: arts, Heritage High School, Leesburg, Loudoun Valley High School, Up Close
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