“Erasmus+ helped me become more confident in my abilities, communicate more effectively and share what I discover with passion.” – Gabriela Sabău from Marghita, Bihor

Gabriela Sabău has been teaching since 2007 at Horea Technological College in Marghita, Bihor. She holds the Commerce-Services department, writes European projects and is part of the Erasmus+ Romania Embassy. She was also a chemistry teacher, but also an editor and producer at Radio Vest Marghita, a local radio station.  Gabriela Sabău acted as writers and project coordinator because she attracted European funds of over 800,000 euros in the next six years.

He looks for new ways of teaching-learning every day, he offers chances for a quality education to his students. This can be seen by the prizes and distinctions obtained by children at the Olympics and school competitions. Thanks to the projects that she and her husband, Remus Sabău (the director of the school) implement every year at the Horea Technological College, many schoolchildren’s lives have changed for the better. There is much to say and write about the person and teacher Gabriela Sabău, about the generosity, curiosity and dynamism that characterize her. But I’ll let you discover it in the lines below. Enjoy reading!

M.N.: – You are a chemist converted into an economist, a teacher and, for several years, a trainer and beneficiary of Erasmus+ projects. In what ways have your studies helped you to become one of the top performing teachers attracting school projects in the field of Erasmus+?

G.S.: – My professional path was an atypical one, but each stage had an essential role in my formation. Chemistry taught me rigor, analysis and finding creative solutions – skills that helped me manage the complex challenges of Erasmus+ projects -. Later, my professional reorientation to economics gave me a new perspective on the realities of the labor market and the needs students have. This “magic recipe” combining science, economics and education developed my ability to think interdisciplinary, connect theory with practice and build Erasmus+ projects that inspire and change lives. As a teacher I understood that my role is not only to teach, but to provide students with experiences that shape them for the future. Erasmus+ gave me exactly this chance: to open new horizons for schoolchildren, help them discover their potential and show them that learning has no borders.

M.N.: – Gabriela, I see you as a very dynamic person, looking for news, communication and sharing. Have you always been like this or is it also the merit of the Erasmus+ program?

G.S.: – I have always been a curious person and open to new experiences, and the Erasmus+ program amplified this personal side. Student mobilities and collaborations with people from different cultures opened up new horizons for me and taught me to appreciate diversity. Erasmus+ helped me to become more confident in my abilities, to communicate more effectively and to share what I discover with passion. I could say that my natural dynamism was “polished” and enhanced by this program.

M.N.: – Several years ago you also collaborated on the radio. Was it all curiosity, your inclination to experiment?

G.S.: – Radio has been and will remain a great passion of mine. It was the place where I left a part of my soul, doing everything for the love of people and stories worth telling, without ever thinking about material rewards. It was a space of sincerity, of unifying voice and of emotions that go beyond words. In the years I spent there I made real friends, some that stayed alive even after some of my classmates turned into stars. Radio was more than an experiment, it was a life lesson about community, people and the power of the word spoken with sincerity. That period showed me how important it is to be close to those around you, to listen to them and to give them a part of yourself.

M.N.: – What does Erasmus+ Ambassador Gabriela Sabău do when she is not traveling, writing applications and funding applications? Do you also discuss Erasmus at home with your husband, who is also your professional boss?

G.S.: – When I’m not dealing with Erasmus+, I find peace with my family. My daughter, Iulia, who is a student, is a constant source of inspiration for me. I love hearing his stories about college, his dreams and plans for the future, and these moments fill me with pride and gratitude. However, the truth is that school often comes home with us – whether it’s ideas for future projects or discussions about challenges and successes in professional life. My husband, being my colleague, shares the same passion for education and sometimes Erasmus+ and European projects become a topic of conversation at dinner too. But amidst all this, we find time to laugh, support each other and enjoy the simple things, like a coffee or a good book, a walk or a heart-to-heart talk. Family is where I get my energy and motivation for everything I do day to day.

M.N.: – Which of your Erasmus+ experiences helped you the most as a teacher? But as a wife, mother, friend?

G.S.: – Every Erasmus+ experience has shaped me, but what changed me the most was the first mobility I coordinated, in November 2018. It was a huge challenge, but also a revelation, that of seeing my students grow, discovering and courage and confidence in another environment, new to them. This gave me immense satisfaction and the courage to continue. As a teacher, I have learned to be more patient, more open, and to give students the support they need to overcome their fears.As a mother, Erasmus+ taught me to look at the world through the eyes of my daughter, Iulia, and to encourage her to explore, dream and trust herself.

I often tell her about the new places, the experiences I have every time I travel, but also the people I know, hoping to instill in her the desire to discover how beautiful and diverse the world is. As a wife, Erasmus+ has taught me to share more. Although, most of the time school comes home with me, these experiences brought us even closer because we learned to build together, to discuss successes, but also challenges. I discovered how important it is to have a partner who supports you unconditionally, who understands your passion and who motivates you to keep going. As a friend, Erasmus+ taught me the value of real connections.

I met people from different cultures, shared emotions, made friendships that have stood the test of time. I have become more present, more empathetic and more aware of how important it is to be there for your loved ones, listen to them and give them the support they need.

Erasmus+ has not only changed my career, but also the way I look at life and relationships. It taught me to be a better person, more connected to those around me and more grateful for every moment spent with the ones I love.