A pink slip is the best thing that could have happened to Sabrina Worsham.
It didn’t feel like it at the time, but less than three years after she lost her job and faced serious uncertainty about her future, Sabrina will cross the stage at the Frank Erwin Center to accept her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising from ACC.
“ACC opened up a new world for me,” says Sabrina. “I could have easily said that I didn’t have time to go to college. But the truth is, not making time would have been one of the worst mistakes I could have made.”
Her road to graduation began in 2005 with Hurricane Rita. The storm hit her Southeast Texas home and business hard. Sabrina and husband Judge Worsham moved to Austin for a fresh start, and she found a new job. But shortly thereafter, Sabrina’s father was diagnosed with cancer, and she found herself driving to the Beaumont area every weekend to help with his care.
“It was excruciating sometimes,” recalls Sabrina. “You sit and wonder how you got through it. I think adrenaline took over.”
Then came another devastating diagnosis. Sabrina’s husband learned he had multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and in the most severe cases, deprives people of the ability to walk or speak.
“We knew for a while something was just not right,” she says. “But MS wasn’t on our radar.”
Sabrina and Judge took a proactive approach, researching the disease and seeking the best doctors and treatment.
“Between working and caring for my father and husband, I didn’t have the luxury of time,” says Sabrina, 32.
Not that she complained.
“There is nothing Sabrina won’t do for someone else,” says Judge. “Her strength during that time amazed me.”
That’s when the economy took a turn for the worse. Sabrina’s company began making cutbacks, and suddenly she was out of work. She immediately embarked on a job search.
“I started going on interviews,” says Sabrina, “only to be told over and over, ‘You need a degree.’ I came from a background that didn’t view women as strong family contributors, and I never went to college. Now I was in a community that believed we all have a responsibility to make our own future strong and successful.”
Sabrina was at a loss, unsure where to begin. A commercial for Austin Community College gave her an answer.
“I drove to the nearest campus and talked with an advisor, scared to death the entire time that someone would tell me I was too old, or that I was crazy for trying to work full time, go to school, and take care of my father and husband,” says Sabrina. “But no one did.”
So at the age of 30, Sabrina Worsham was a first-time college student.
“It was nerve-wracking,” she admits. “When you have been out of school for more than a decade, you don’t know what to expect.”
She started out taking two classes, to get a feel for college. Sadly, before the end of her first semester, Sabrina’s father passed away.
“That was definitely a tough time. I could have dropped out and said I needed time off, but I knew that’s not what my dad would have wanted,” Sabrina says. “I have continued full-force ever since.”
Sabrina enrolled full-time and hasn’t taken a semester or summer off, even though she landed a new full-time job soon after enrolling at ACC. Her dedication impressed her instructors.
“Sabrina set the bar in terms of academic performance, self-discipline, and professional demeanor,” says Kathy Walton, who taught Sabrina’s Visual Merchandising (FSHN 2320) class. “The results were that she was at the top of the class and the first student ever to earn 100 percent on one of my exams.”
Sabrina’s determination to be successful is evident outside the classroom as well. She helped establish a new chapter of Delta Epsilon Chi, an international organization for students preparing for business careers. She serves as the ACC chapter president as well as state vice president. She was also an officer of ACC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges.
Sabrina remains busy apart from school and her job. Although her husband Judge continues to work and takes classes at ACC part time, MS robs him of much of his energy. Chores and tasks they once shared – including housework, driving, and managing family finances – are now more of a solo responsibility for Sabrina.
“It can be a challenge to find time to do everything,” Sabrina acknowledges. “But who expects to be faced with such a disease at age 32?”
Despite all the demands on her time, she maintained a 4.0 GPA.
While some might be content with that achievement, Sabrina’s journey isn’t over. She applied and was accepted to Penn State, and she is already taking her first online class toward her bachelor’s degree in psychology – a field that became of interest to her during an ACC class that explored the psychological motivations behind fashion trends. She says she will be able to complete almost all of her coursework through distance learning, so she won’t have to move.
Sabrina expects to earn her bachelor’s degree in spring 2012 and then plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Her goal is to become a grief counselor, with a focus on assisting families dealing with a loved one’s serious or terminal illness – to help ease the kind of pain she experienced through her husband’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis and her father’s fight against cancer.
“It’s easy to get consumed by grief, anger, and sadness,” Sabrina notes. “But life is meant to be lived and enjoyed.”
Her graduation will be a bittersweet moment, with the notable absence of her father in the audience.
“He was so proud I was going to school,” she says. “I will definitely be thinking of him that night and trying not to cry.”
Sabrina’s mother and husband will be there to watch her accept her degree.
“Sabrina has proven that there are no challenges that are insurmountable,” says Judge. “If you want something enough, it can be done.”
Sabrina is a winner of the Presidential Student Achievement Award, the most prestigious ACC honor. The award is given to students who, despite obstacles, have demonstrated academic excellence, service to ACC and the community, and commitment to ACC values. She will be recognized at the commencement ceremony.
Sabrina is humble about her accomplishments, but she knows she was the architect of her own success.
“At ACC, I learned the only person who can limit what you achieve is yourself,” says Sabrina. “With my goals coming to fruition, I realize destiny is what you make of it. Looking back, I can’t believe I ever bought into the notion that I shouldn’t go to college.”
Sabrina Worsham is one of 2,014 ACC students eligible to graduate at the 2010 annual commencement. The ceremony will be May 13 at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St., at 7 p.m.
Back to Top
By Carla Jackson April 30, 2010 - 12:38 pm
Great inspirational story. Thanks for making sure that we got to read about it!
By Judge Worsham April 30, 2010 - 4:01 pm
I want to be the first to say how proud I am of you. Folks, please read this article and know…you can do it, too. Never stop…never give up…never let anything get in your way.
By Eliza Trevino April 30, 2010 - 6:13 pm
Wow! I knew Sabrina was an awesome person and student, but now I know what an incredible inspiration she is! I have the pleasure of taking college math (MATH1332) with her and her husband, and you would never think that there were so many things she had to deal with and overcome to get to this point(aside form the occasional allergy). She handles herself so well, she makes things look effortless. There is no doubt in my mind that she will accomplish everything she sets out to do, and do so in a big way. Way to go Sabrina! Judge, you must be proud! =)
By La'Tonya Bell May 1, 2010 - 8:09 am
That was such a beautiful story. It encouraged me to continue my education and go after the things I want in life. Obstacles in life shouldn’t keep you down..it should make you strive harder and accomplish alot more. I thank you for your story I know that both your dad and husband are very proud. You and your family is in my prayers. God Bless!!!!
By D. Keith Montgomery May 1, 2010 - 10:13 am
I am inspired by the dedication, perseverance and commitment made by Sabrina to craft a better life for herself and her husband. As an older student (56 yrs.) returning to college after a long absence and redefining my life once again I can identify with the anxiety she felt. Thank you for sharing your adventure in living with all of us as fellow students. Investing in one’s self and family is always a positive, rewarding, empowering choice.
Sincerely,
D. Keith Montgomery ACC Student
By Donnalee Jones May 1, 2010 - 2:29 pm
Always remember that you earned that degree…….and NO ONE can take it away from you.
Best wishes for all your future endevors.
By Suzie A. May 1, 2010 - 7:23 pm
Great story, I can relate to this. I am a little older and have had to deal with loss of loved one, loss of job all while raising a family and working.
You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on your success!
By Stephanie Ellis May 2, 2010 - 7:35 am
Came across your story. I know an Angel when I see her. Thank you for your story. Best wishes.
By Dave Brown May 2, 2010 - 8:36 am
Sabrina’s story is very inspiring. Many of us are going thru re-training in the largest recession since the 1930’s, and to do it with so many obstacles is simply world class. There are always silver linings from bad events, but I would have to say that Sabrina struck gold for sure!!
By Cheryl Sarmiento May 2, 2010 - 1:19 pm
Congratulations, Sabrina, you are an inspirational young person! You thought you were too old to attend college?!…I was 45 when I returned last year.
By Mary Kohls May 2, 2010 - 3:35 pm
Sabrina, thanks for sharing your story. You were an outstanding Phi Theta Kappa Vice-President. I am proud of you and congratulations.
By Marianna Guzzy May 2, 2010 - 6:07 pm
Wow – tears came to my eyes. You cannot fly until you break the shell! You are awesome Sabrina! You GO Girl!!
By Osvaldo Contreras May 2, 2010 - 7:58 pm
This is the reason why I keep on following my dreams. At times, people do not expect you to accomplish your dreams but it stories like this remind you that you can do so.
By Dorothy David May 2, 2010 - 11:00 pm
Thank you for a great story and sharing it with everyone! Congratulations and good luck to you and your family! I have similar circumstances and have felt like giving up, but now I feel inspired.
By Amber Leslie May 2, 2010 - 11:01 pm
Sabrina you are a true inspiration to me. I moved to Cedar Park from Chicago 2 years ago after suffering a stroke and losing part of my memory. I enrolled at ACC last January and been through He!! every since, this past February I lost my fiancee’ of 6 years 4 days later lost my granddad, through it all I have remained a full time student. I admire you & want youto know that when you walk across that stage I will be there in spirit cheering you on!!!!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!
By Sarah Schoenfelder May 3, 2010 - 12:14 am
What an absolutely inspiring story. I’m so glad ACC shared it. It makes me want to push myself that much further as a student– and appreciate every moment I’ve been given to pursue my studies, further my career, and most of all, appreciate family and friends. Congratulations on all you have achieved so far, Sabrina!
By Petra Barraza May 3, 2010 - 6:32 am
I had the honor of serving with Judge and Sabrina in Phi Theta Kappa. They are an extraordinary and loving couple who were always willing to dedicate what little time they had to the charitable organizations that Phi Theta Kappa worked with. I can think of no better candidate to win the Presidential Student Achievement Award than Sabrina Worsham.
By Joyce Anderson May 3, 2010 - 7:45 am
Congratulations Sabrina. You really deserve to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. May every door that you enter open wide enough for you and Judge. I am an employee at ACC and it is a pleasure to know that you have taken advantage of the excellent education that is provided to all that seek it.
By Erika C. May 3, 2010 - 7:45 pm
You’re an inspiration. Whenever I think I have too much going on I will remember this article and keep trying. Congratulations on all your hard work.
By Aural E May 4, 2010 - 8:04 pm
It is wonderful to see so many people who had positive experiences with Sabrina and Robert. They certainly don’t let anything get in their way!
By Amardeep Kahlon May 6, 2010 - 11:35 am
Congratulations Sabrina! You make ACC proud!! Wish you all the very best in your journey forward.
By Amy Lay May 6, 2010 - 10:26 pm
Sabrina,
I’m SO pleased that you’ve been able to share your story!!! You and Judge are AMAZING:)
Sincerest wishes,
Amy Lay
CHEM I / Dr. Jbeily
By Caleigh I May 6, 2010 - 10:27 pm
I saw your picture on the ACC homepage and was like “Wow that’s Sabrina!” This article doesn’t even do you justice. You and Judge are at least twice as awesome as this article makes you sound!
By kay forsythe May 7, 2010 - 12:59 pm
WOW, AWESOME!!!
By Ondrea Moffatt May 10, 2010 - 5:23 pm
Sabrina, you and Judge are definitely an inspiration! I am so glad to see that being acknowledged! You have much to be proud of. I am happy to have had the honor of working with you both in Phi Theta Kappa and hope to hear of nothing but success and happiness in your future. Great story. Thanks to you for sharing!
By Tanna Allen May 12, 2010 - 7:26 am
WOW! What an inspirational story. I will certainly remember this story when I start feeling like the next wall will be made of steal. You are a true example of the saying “Every wall is a door”. Thank you for sharing!
By Rita Banninger May 12, 2010 - 3:17 pm
Congratulations Sabrina on graduating at ACC and acceptance to Penn State!
By Elizabeth May 16, 2010 - 11:23 pm
Good for you! Congratulations I like to hear good endings.