Success Measured By Helping Others
If you were to ask 100 individuals to define success you will probably receive 100 different viewpoints of what success looks like. For many, success represents new status, a new environment and a new way of thinking. However, others see success as an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.
Sabrina Freeman personifies what it means to succeed and give back to those in need. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) coordinator has a unique view of success.
“Success [for me] is the positive impact you have on the lives of those around you, “said Freeman.
It is often said that opportunity is the predecessor to success. Originally from Bristol, Tennessee, the single mother of three realized early in life people have to make their own opportunities if they want to succeed. She understood that education would be the key to opening doors to new opportunities. Her education would help her change the lives of others around her and provide a better life for her own children. After relocating to Louisiana, she enrolled in the University of Phoenix. Despite having three small children at home, and working two jobs, Freeman successfully earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Freeman wasn’t satisfied with a bachelor’s degree. She wanted more. As a result of her drive and determination she was awarded a full scholarship for her master’s degree program. She chose to attend the University of New Orleans to pursue her master’s in Public Administration. Her research examined the impact of natural disasters on low income individuals. This hit close to home. Freeman was a 4th and 5th grade teacher, and the parents of the kids in her class lived through the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. “The effects of Katrina, as well as the British Petroleum (BP) oil spill can still be seen in some parts of New Orleans,” she added. The citizens of Louisiana were not the only one’s suffering long term effects from Katrina. Many of the buildings were impacted as well. The school where Freeman taught was left in desperate need of repair as a result of water damage from Katrina, and frequent heavy rainfall.
“The school where I taught was in such bad condition,” she said. “There was mold falling from the ceiling,”
As a result, she found herself constantly battling various illnesses which resulted in her relocating from Louisiana to Arizona.
“I have felt much better since moving, however, I don’t know what is worse: the humidity or the (dry) heat,” she added.
Despite moving across the country and being a full-time mom and student, Freeman never lost her desire to help others. Whether purchasing school supplies for her students or examining the role of government in response to natural disasters, Freeman always kept her focus on giving back to others.
“As a LIHEAP coordinator I see impact our services have on those clients in need,” she said. “I know what it is like to try and meet your needs when struggling financially, and the stress from not being able to do so,” she added.
Freeman is living proof of someone who has created her own opportunities for success. Asked what advice she would give others in her position, she said, “Never let others’ low expectations of you determine your level of success. Always do the best you can in everything you do. Once you have achieved a level of success always remember to reach back and pull someone else up with you.”
Sabrina Freeman serves as an example of what can be achieved by one who believes in him or herself and prepares. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Political Science.
“Pursuing my PhD will give me more opportunities to give back to those in need,” said Freeman. Her desire to leave a legacy of positive impact reminds us all of what it means to achieve success.
By Vance Phillips Jr.