Roy Sorbet, 82, has been tutoring at Vermilion Parish Correctional Center (VPCC) for VITA since 1992. And, in that time he has helped 86 inmates obtain their GED diploma.
When offered the job in 1992, Sorbet said, "Why not? I'm retired." People are often astounded by his work, but he likes seeing his students overcome obstacles and is not uncomfortable by the correctional institution's environment.
In a classroom of 20 students with two to a table, Sorbet encourages his students to
|
succeed. His class is a no-nonsense one, and if students can remember that one fact, he promises them all the help in the world.
"I'm really proud of them," says Sorbet. "We take it as it comes, but most of all I try to keep the light bulb burning."
Sorbet will only recommend a student if he knows that student will pass. The VPCC pays for the first test, and Sorbet does not like to see money wasted. Once students enter Sorbetis class, he tests them and counsels them on their strengths and weaknesses. His counseling comes more
|
from a feeling he gets with the student that tells him that particular student is ready to get to work. Once the student has had a bit of Sorbet's encouragement, it's time to light the light bulb.
With 86 GED diplomas and possibly another two by the end of March, Sorbet does not show signs of stopping. It's hard for Sorbet to pick his most memorable moment of the past 19 years, but one of the best is seeing the looks on his students' faces when they see their names on the gold GED plaque. That look is all Sorbet needs to keep encouraging his students.
|