Mr. Zabalou is a French teacher here at Harriton. You may have seen him helping with a wide variety of subjects in the Learning Center or heard about the interesting advice he gives. The Harriton Banner sat down with this talented teacher to talk about his journey to Harriton and his philosophy about education.

Harriton Banner: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you obtained your degrees.

Mr. Zabalou: I’m originally from the Ivory Coast, which is a West African country, and my first language is French. I started my engineering program in the Ivory Coast at a polytechnic university, and my brother gave me the opportunity to come to the United States. When I came to the United States, I pursued my engineering degree, and I did chemical engineering at Drexel University, so that’s how I got my science background.

HB: How did you end up working at Harriton?

Mr. Zabalou: After Drexel, I went on to work for the Bank of New York as a senior accountant, but unfortunately the 9/11 tragedy happened. I decided to walk away from the business world and change careers. I started as a math teacher within the school district of Philadelphia, and at the time they offered me a full scholarship at St. Joe’s University here on City Line Avenue, and I got a master’s degree in mathematics and secondary education.

In 2002, I became a teacher. I taught math for six years with the school district of Philadelphia, and after that I went to England to teach for two more years in math, and [also] mechanics, which is also physics here.

When I came back, I felt comfortable enough to change subjects because French is my native language, so I got another certification in French. While I was at the school district of Philadelphia, there was a position here [at Harriton] for a French teacher, and I was hired.

So I’ve been a teacher here at Harriton since 2011, exactly August 2011. I coach students at the Learning Center in math, physics, chemistry, and French.

HB: Often, students talk about the advice that you give out in class. Do you have any you would like to share?

Mr. Zabalou: Before or sometimes after lessons, I am kind of a motivational speaker for the class. I don’t get paid for that; I choose education over passion. I just tell them that education is a way for them to empower themselves – being educated and getting high-level degrees gives you the opportunity to make your own choices. Be a good student, and success will come to you.

HB: Do you have any last words?

Mr. Zabalou: Learn to be a good student and success will come later, set the priorities, and just keep working hard. Focus on your education, and eventually that will give you the power to make choices in life. Being educated does not mean you are going to be rich, but it will give you the opportunity to defend yourself, defend others and the less fortunate, and be the best citizen you can be.