Name: Patrick M. Kabasinski, Esq.

Occupation: Attorney

Employer: Roetzel & Andress LPA

Name of High School and location: Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie, Pennsylvania

Name of College #1 and location: The University of Akron, Akron Ohio

Name of College #2 and location: The University of Akron, School of Law, Akron Ohio

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you (any grade level, including college):  My all-time favorite teacher would be my mother! She taught fourth and fifth grade for over twenty years at various public elementary schools, but mainly Belle Valley in Erie, Pennsylvania. I got a firsthand seat to witness her impact on students and families! For the next twenty years we would run into her old students and randomly hear “Mrs. K!!!”, followed by an adult running over to say hi to my mom and reminisce about their time in fourth grade. Surely, my mother’s impact on children had a positive domino effect that we can only imagine.
 
Aside from my mother, I recall so many positive teachers that helped me through hard times in life. Whether that be a death of a loved one, sports injury, rejection letters, etc., the teachers who could see the hurt on your face and in your heart, but sought to be a pillar of stability in what seemed to a young Patrick as the most instable time of his life. Those teachers are the ones that stick out to me. The late Mrs. Zimmerman (Second Grade – Belle Valley Elementary); Mrs. Cassidy (Third Grade – Belle Valley Elementary); Coach Mark Sokoloff (Sixth Grade – James S. Wilson Middle School); Mr. Markley (Cathedral Preparatory School); Mr. Moffett (Cathedral Preparatory School); Mr. Parsons (Cathedral Preparatory School) to name a few, and I am missing so many, but thank you all!
 
What were some of your most enjoyable times in school (any grade level): Elementary School comes to mind first. Being excited to go to school, see your friends, hurry and get to recess, learning was made ‘fun’ and a student’s impression of Elementary School leads to how school is thought of for years to come. It is hard to not think back to the countless memories with friends over school projects, sporting events, and even playing math games on computers.
 
Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self: Go ahead and plan your future, think intently about what you want to do, where you want to be, and have it all planned out before you graduate. Then, throw all of that out the window! My advice to myself would be it is okay to not have it all figured out, because this life is constantly evolving. A decision today does not need to be a decision for forever. Continue to learn, grow, build lasting relationships with purpose and principle over momentary necessity. Work hard, do good, and if you trust yourself, those around you, and God, and it’ll all work out the way it is supposed to.
 
The reason(s) you are raising funds to support Project GRAD Akron ’s scholarships and programs: Education in our society has been taken for granted. Families struggle to pack a lunch, fund after school programs and activities that mold children forever, and many don’t have the opportunity to follow their dreams.  If I can have a hand in providing a guiding light for a child to have a new thought, realize a dream isn’t just a fairytale, or discover a passion they never knew existed; well, I call that a good day!
 
Favorite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
 
Anything else you would like to share or highlight: Our community needs our help in more ways than one, but who better to give our time and attention to than to children seeking a better future. Project GRAD has the ability to positively impact the lives of students and families in our community and we need your help to continue that work! If we all provide the care and encouragement children need, maybe tomorrow will look a little brighter and their lives a little better. Thank you!