Cobart remains positive through it all

By Jenna McLennan

March 31, 2021

When Stephanie Cobart was in her early twenties, she was diagnosed with alopecia. She had long, beautiful, orange curly hair and went bald within 6 months. This is something she struggled accepting. It was a very sudden event that became a very big obstacle to overcome.

“When I first lost my hair, I didn't want to leave the house. I don't want to go around people or have people see me. I was afraid they were going to look at me weird or think of me as different. When I finally had the guts to leave the house I only left wearing wigs,” she said.

After only wearing wigs for a while, Cobart worked up the courage to go out in public completely bald. She got some stares and comments but she overcame them and became so much stronger.

“I was tired of wearing wigs. I wanted to go out and not have to sit there and put one on for 20 minutes. It was a good feeling to have the confidence to do so. I get the occasional ‘“kick cancer’s butt!’” comments, but I just either laugh or tell them what's really going on. I am extremely proud of where I have come and what I have learned from that experience”, she said.

Cobart has always worn long dangling earrings, and since she is always cold, you will likely catch her wearing either a scarf or hat, sometimes both. When she walks in the room a spark of energy joins the room as well.

Cobart is a special education teacher at Forest park Elementary. She just recently moved schools, as she was at Saddlewood Elementary for many years. She had a huge influence on many students there, and always pushed them to do their best no matter what.

“I love teaching kids. I am excited almost everyday to wake up and go to school to teach. I just want to give the kids something to look forward to when coming to school,” she said.

Cobart wants to make learning fun. A lot of kids don't like going to school or when they think about school they think negatively about it. She wants to change that for kids and make them think positively about school.

“I want to make school a positive learning space for kids. I want them to always be proud of themselves. Working with special education kids can be difficult at times, they get very stressed out easily and give up. I try my best to keep them motivated and to always let them know they are doing a good job,” she said.

Cobart is a kind soul. She cares for everyone around her. She is always there for when someone needs a shoulder to lean or cry on.

Cobart has always wanted a healthy and happy family. Growing up she was surrounded by loving family and couldn't wait till she had one of her own. She achieved that goal and could never ask for more.

“I have a loving husband and the best 3 kids anyone could ask for. They are my pride and joy. I would do absolutely anything for them. They keep me going everyday. I could not ask for a better family,” she said.

Stephanie's immediate family are always together. They all share a bond that is very strong.

“I hold so much love for my immediate family. My nieces are amazing and I couldn't ask for anything better. We all love to hang out, cook, bake, swim, go on walks etc. we will always find something to do.”

Cobart is a strong woman who has pushed through many obstacles in her life. She has lived through a pandemic whilst teaching in it and learning new things. She had climbed over huge bumps in the road to make her who she is today.

“I wouldn't change a thing.”