Meet David Sarpal!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet David Sarpal!

Read the Q&A below to learn more about David.

Primary Role: High School Office Manager

Pronouns: he/him

Years at GDS: 3

What do you love about GDS?
It is a privilege to work here because this is a beautiful community of learners of all ages. Students, staff, and families embody the mission of this school in myriad ways on any given day, making for a fantastic workplace.

Why do you do your job?
I see myself as a bridge-builder; I thrive in building community and broadening understanding between people. I also delight in supporting young people along their journey to adulthood.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The people here inspire me. I try to offer the best of what I can give to each person I encounter throughout my work day, and witness students' growth over time. I also love nurturing the relationships I forge with students, staff, and families. Anne Frank’s words resonate: "Despite everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."

Your work style in a few words?
Flexible, methodical, curious, solution-oriented, diplomatic, kind, and in possession of a healthy sense of humor.

A top hope/wish for the students and/or colleagues?
I hope students and colleagues continue to carry forward the mission of this school to benefit the world. 

What are your personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
I love to go hiking and quietly experience the natural world. I also enjoy art, photography, and illustration.

A few favorites?
Favorite recipes: Lentils, Colombian ajiaco, Punjabi chole, quinoa salad.
Favorite movies: Perfect Days, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Samsara, the Star Wars series
Favorite music: I love spacious music with few lyrics by artists like Ludovico Einaudi, David Helpling, and Johan Agebjörn.
Favorite places I’ve traveled to: France, Morocco, the Himalayas.

Tell us about your family and/or pet(s).
I have two sons, ages 21 and 15. Interestingly, they are both interested in pursuing engineering careers. My Mom and my sisters live in Spain. While I do not have any pets, I do love animals. I have a fair amount of four-leggeds in the orbit of my close friends, so I benefit from interspecies friendships at a distance, like an uncle might relate to nieces and nephews. 

One thing about yourself that students/colleagues/others don't know?
I’m listed as a contributor in Ira Friedberg’s reference Paper Money of the United States.

If you have a bucket list, one thing on your life bucket list you've already accomplished?
Becoming a monk.

Something on your life bucket list you have yet to accomplish?
Participate in a full practice period at Zenshinji, known as Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in the Ventana Wilderness of California.