When it seems like no one is coming to your rescue, how do you rescue yourself?
Sabrina did not dream of becoming a firefighter at first. When she was 15, she became homeless. Her family had fallen apart, and she struggled to survive on the streets of Newport. Sleeping rough, getting beaten up and washing in the pub toilet. Every day felt like the worst day of her life. People called her all kinds of names and passed her on the street like she was a ghost. Even one of her teachers.
But Sabrina knew she couldn’t let others determine her worth. She knew she was capable of more. She made a choice to work as hard as she could for as long as possible to escape the street. To rescue herself. By selling ‘The Big Issue’ on the street, 12 hours a day, she worked her way out of poverty. Sabrina became a firefighter because she wanted to help others on their worst day. She became the first female firefighter at her station. The first woman in her division. Despite fighting sexism in her job, Sabrina rose in the ranks. Now she is the most senior firefighter in the country.
Sabrina’s success can be attributed to her perspective, humility and respect. And her ability to see human potential. For Sabrina is brave; she continued to fight in spite of being scared. She led a national research project about firefighter decision making, and changed national policy on the back of it. Sabrina’s impact is tangible; saving countless lives by improving the understanding of human error; keeping firefighters safe by making commanders make more effective decisions.
Every day she feels gratitude for the home she has. For the capacity to earn and support her family. Sabrina is a superhero with the powers of respect and empathy. Because everyone deserves a voice. Everyone deserves to be saved. Sabrina’s resilience is admirable, and she wouldn’t take anything back. She is working toward a world where people don’t have to go through what she went through.
