Destinee Brinkley
Sabrina Brinkley is my mother and a teacher. I decided to interview because she is one of the hardest working people I know and she has been teaching elementary and high school kids for over 16 years. First hand I’ve seen her build relations with her students and she is one of the reasons I try my hardest in college.
Q1 : Can we get to meet the woman behind the face?
a. Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?
A : I was born in North Carolina and was surrounded with a loving family with both my mother and father. I had a great upbringing.
b. Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the man/woman you are today?
A: Well my mother for one, but Jesus Christ first.
c. What about your family?
A: I have two sisters and one brother. We have and still to this day play a big part in each other’s lives.
Q2 : Can you tell us of your education history and what your goals or life ambition was when you were a student in High School/College?
A: I always had a dream of being an undercover cop when I was in high school. I wanted to be a lot of things but it all worked out and now I’m a teacher. I also wanted to be a fashion designer and now I also do that as well.
Q3 :
a. Can you tell us of your job/education experience prior to what you’re doing now?
A: I started out in social work and that’s when I found my love of working with children.
b. What was the most memorable point at that job/school?
A: Building a relationship with my kids and being able to watch them grow and learn.
Q4 :
a. Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago?
A: No, but I’m thankful for where I am.
Q5 : What are your plans for the future?
A: After I retire, I’d like to open my own boutique for my designs.
Q6 : What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?
A: I would tell them to try and let them know it’s okay to fail. It never helps to try. I would say just do it!
Q7 : How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?
A: I think it’s different and more expensive than ever and I don’t like that.
Q8 : Have you ever traveled outside of the United States? Where, and how does life outside compare to that in the US?
A: I traveled to the Bahamas and overseas, we see the glitz and glam of it all, but we don’t see how thankful we are for how we’re living.
Q9 : What does the future hold for America?
A: I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m praying for the best for America.
Q10 : Are you interested in politics? If no, why not? What is your take on the state of politics and the future of American democracy?
A: No. I was never interested in politics. In my opinion, it’s really not for the less fortunate and it seems like they are only for the wealthy and not the ones who need it the most.
Q11: How are you responding to the outbreak of the Convid-19 virus?
How did you handle the stay-at-home order?
What about virtual learning or telecommuting?
What keeps you going during these trying times?
How can the government better handle the situation?
A: For me, I wasn’t scared but I didn’t like it. I loved being in the comfort of my own home and being able to do so many things I usually wouldn’t have the time to but I enjoyed being home with my loved ones. Virtual learning , as a teacher, was difficult because you’re dealing with some kids who can’t stay still and pay attention and then you’re also trying to teach in a totally new environment. What keeps me going is Jesus Christ. God forbid something like this happens again, I think these scientists need to do more research and as far as the government , I think they can be more transparent when it comes to letting the world know what’s going on. I also think they should keep the mask mandate and the 6ft rule.
Q12 :
a. What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?
A: I love to create and decorate. I also love to thrift and find unique pieces.
b. How would you describe your philosophy of life? That is, how do you see this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward?
A: My philosophy of life is live, love, and laugh and don’t you ever forget it.
Q13 : Let us end this interview with a memorable quote from you.
How would you describe yourself to the world?
Complete the sentence: I am…
A: I would simply describe myself as a survivor and a believer in Jesus.
I love the quote “ If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”