A Lifelong Dream Realized: Sarah Kourkoulis’ Inspirational Journey to Becoming a Teacher
Sarah Kourkoulis, a 47-year-old native of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, has always been guided by her parents’ courageous spirit. Her father, Bobby, immigrated from Greece at 23, while her mother, Linda, now splits her time between North Carolina and Greece, learning a new language at 74. Inspired by their fearless pursuit of new adventures, Sarah adopted a motto that reflects her belief in seizing life’s opportunities: “You’re younger than you think you are.”
Despite her passion for teaching, Sarah didn’t pursue a college degree until her mid-forties. The financial burden of returning to school seemed daunting until she discovered the Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Program, managed by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC). This program not only covered a year’s worth of tuition but also helped with additional expenses, allowing Sarah to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher with minimal student loans.
Sarah has always had a knack for teaching, even without formal training. Starting with homeschooling her younger brother and later tutoring students in Algebra I, she found joy in helping students understand complex concepts and develop a love for learning. Over the years, she has worked with 20 homeschooled students, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world skills in her curriculum.
As Sarah approached her 40s, she realized that without a bachelor’s degree, her teaching opportunities were limited. Despite her extensive experience, she understood the importance of formal qualifications. With the support of counselors at the Community College of Vermont and VSAC, Sarah embarked on her college journey, taking the Assessment of Prior Learning course to translate her life experiences into academic credits.
One of Sarah’s passions is teaching history, a subject she believes is essential for developing students’ critical thinking skills. She also hopes to create a financial literacy course to educate students on managing money responsibly. Now in her junior year at Vermont State University (VTSU) in Johnson, Sarah is eager to begin her practicums this fall and student teaching next spring, bringing her one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a licensed teacher.
Throughout her journey, Sarah has been supported by her family, friends, employer, and the educational community. She acknowledges the importance of having a supportive network but also emphasizes the resources available to those who may not have the same level of support. Sarah’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering belief that with determination and support, anyone can achieve their dreams.
The Vermont Student Assistance Corp, founded in 1965, plays a crucial role in supporting students like Sarah in achieving their educational goals. Through grants, scholarships, workforce development programs, and education financing options, VSAC ensures that all Vermont students have access to the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s helping families save for education with VT529 or providing counseling services to students of all ages, VSAC is dedicated to creating opportunities for every Vermont student.
Sarah Kourkoulis’ journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and that with the right support, anything is possible. As she continues on her path to becoming a licensed teacher, her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be considering a career change or furthering their education. Sarah’s determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of education are a testament to the transformative impact of following your dreams.
