Sarah came to Positive Paths in 2016 looking to finish the education she started 18 years prior. Sarah is a mother of two now-grown children and has overcome abuse, trauma, homelessness, and child custody battles. Now happily married, Sarah is about to achieve a goal that is a long time coming. She will graduate in May 2021 with an associates in Information Technology and a certificate in Cisco Networking from Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “Being a part of Positive Paths has meant the world to me. The women I have met have been an inspiration to me whether it be other scholars or our great mentors who take time out of their busy schedules to be there to help in any way they can.” Seeing how far she has come, and knowing we were able to help get her over the finish line of completing her degree, is why we do what we do at Positive Paths.

Sarah has always had a passion for computers and enjoys her job with a software company in Gilbert. She recently had a performance review and because she is graduating, they are working on creating a new position for her, which she is excited about. “Once I graduate, I plan to keep learning to earn different certifications in the IT field, and depending on where work takes me, going on to a bachelor’s degree may be in the future, but I am still deciding which route I want to go.” She says that in the IT field, education and training doesn’t stop because of how quickly technology changes.

“To the donors that have made this possible and also to the ladies that make this program run daily, this is one of the best things that could have happened to me. If it wasn’t for Positive Paths and my great mentor Sharon, I don’t believe I could have made it through these years. They gave me the push to keep going no matter what.” We love Sarah’s drive and determination and know she will continue to have a successful future.