 |
| Sarah Hipp (center) with children in Rwanda (Photo courtesy S. Hipp). |
This feature was written by Mark Ellison, intake coordinator for SCC’s Student Support Services program.
Service to others can provide a wellspring of strength, something Sarah Hipp experiences in new ways each day.
The 31-year old social worker, advocate, aid worker and missionary has found meaning throughout her life by helping others.
“My heart is to serve my community both near and far,” said Hipp, who resides in Charleston, S.C., and is the Rwanda operations manager for LEAF International. “I work during the day caring for young children and the elderly helping with in home care, and in my free time I volunteer with LEAF Community Arts, Water Missions International, at my church and in Rwanda.”
Finding Hope in Despair
In 2001, Hipp enrolled in the Associate in Arts program at Southwestern Community College a few months after graduating from Smoky Mountain High School. While enrolled at SCC she was in a bad car accident causing traumatic injury to her brain, breaking her nose and jaw, injuring her knee, causing slipped discs in her back and neck and knocking out her four front teeth.
“It was a long recovery and difficult to attend classes in a neck brace, knee brace, on crutches, with no front teeth, and on a liquid diet,” Hipp recalled. “Luckily, I was able to finish out the semester with the help of Student Support Services (SSS). They provided a tremendous amount of encouragement, helped me get my books on tape arranged, scheduled note takers, and even helped me get from class to class. The hills on campus are tough on crutches! At a time when I was in great need, Student Support Services helped me stay on track.”
With the help of SSS, Sarah transferred to UNCA, where she had another traumatic experience when her house burned down. Sarah subsequently transferred to WCU where she was an honors graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work. The car accident sharpened Sarah’s focus on helping others as her vocation through education, advocating for those in need, and connecting people to support available in their community.
On a Mission in Rwanda
Sarah became interested in the East African country of Rwanda while working on the festival staff for LEAF Community Arts in Black Mountain. The first mission trip LEAF coordinated was to Rwanda.
”I have been going to Rwanda for eight years now and have helped with various projects including getting water, educational and medical supplies to people; helping street children find their way; assisting in the healing process of the victims of genocide; and walking with people through the forgiveness process. To better help the people of Rwanda I am now forming a non-profit organization to be able to assist with this work and advocate for the people of Rwanda.”
Dream Big! The World Needs You
Sarah has traveled an inspiring path in her life and has persevered despite facing challenges. Her advice to SCC students is to “stay strong mentally, encourage yourself and dream big! The world needs you!!”
About Student Support Services at SCC
Student Support Services at Southwestern Community College assists students in achieving their goal of graduating from SCC and/or transferring to a senior institution. The program supports students in dealing effectively with all aspects of college life. Services are provided free for students who meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility for Student Support Services is based upon students demonstrating a need for academic support and at least one of the following criteria: Be a first-generation college student; meet income eligibility guidelines; or have a documented ADA disability.
For more information, contact Mark Ellison intake coordinator for SCC’s Student Support Services program at 828.339.4229 or m_ellison@southwesterncc.edu.
