Sarah Strickling
Though Jennifer Sarah Strickling; her husband, John; and their seven children lived a radically unencumbered lifestyle for many years, they realize that to do so requires a keen trust in the oft-misunderstood laws of carefree independence. Few will ever purposefully choose to live without money or a home, whether from fear of the unknown or learned contempt for the idea of a family without tangible possessions. Strickling, her husband, and their blended family chose just that. They knew that their path on this blue planet was to be unique and unlike any other. Instead of aiming for suburban normalcy, Strickling endeavored to travel through the United States, led by her desire for a fulfilling spiritual journey. She experienced ultimate freedom and wonder-full liberty. She is happy and successful; she evokes a deep understanding of what matters in this life and what is just peripheral static. Her journey has been anything but linear, and today, Strickling lives in Juneau, working full-time for the state of Alaska as a Micro Computer Network Technician II for the Department of Health and Social Services.
It is impossible to consider Strickling’s most recent educational pursuit without juxtaposing it against her former and beloved nomadic lifestyle. Though she and her family are currently following her well-earned job opportunity and its offer of economic security, it wasn’t too long ago that Strickling followed something much more nebulous. Among many other intriguing locales, Strickling has spent time living in a dirt-floor Hogan on a Navajo reservation; in her van on Prince of Wales Island, traveling between Naukati, Craig, and Thorne Bay; in tents on the side of North Tongass highway, past Knudson Cove; and in a small trailer on Christopher Road. About her past, Strickling says, “Our family loves road trips. We are nomads. We love to travel, attend Powwows, and raise the vibrations. We have tried to live clean and clear, keeping energized and void of toxins. We have spent time peace volunteering and helping people with their spirituality, all while homeschooling our children. I call it ‘riding the magic tortoise’ or ‘flowing with the tao’.”
Though they were poor monetarily, the Stricklings were rich in experience. Strickling remembers, “I would sell my hand-made earrings, but it was hard sometimes, because we were always broke. In the summer of 2005, John had a major heart attack. That event complicated our financial situation, to say the least. I decided that we needed some help, and so applied for WIC, food stamps, and temporary assistance. At the Job Center, I researched career options for hours. After deciding that I could not reasonably train to become an airplane pilot, I chose computer networking as a career field. I succumbed to my fate. I knew that I needed to sacrifice my freedom in order to regain it.” Mothers often make hard decisions, and Strickling is proof of this.
In May of 2005, Strickling led her family to live in a house in town - a smart move since she was spending hours at the main University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan campus doing her homework. She had already taken advantage of an internship with the Chamber of Commerce, testing their system, making recommendations for upgrades, and figuring cost analyses, when Mike Doyle, the Network Administrator for UAS - Ketchikan, who knew she was also taking Computer Information Office Systems courses, asked her to be his assistant. That part-time job eventually led to a full-time position as an Information Systems Assistant. Doyle remembers, “I needed an assistant, and I knew that Sarah was studying the very things I needed help with.” Strickling says, “Mike Doyle taught me so much. He really boosted my career.” She not only earned membership in Phi Theta Kappa, she also served first as Treasurer and then as President in 2006 while working full-time and attending school. She recalls, “I honestly did not know if I could make it.” Strickling completed her required courses with stellar grades, and in Fall of 2007, was nominated by Rick McDonald to attend a networking conference sponsored by CISCO in Washington, D.C. McDonald relates, “Sarah is always prepared and ahead of the game. She works really hard.” While at the conference, Strickling was chosen to appear in a film clip to represent women in the computer networking field.
Strickling is quick to acknowledge all of the faculty and staff who have supported her efforts. She relates, “The University people treated me like a person. Cathy LeCompte arranged for my first internship. Marty Miller helped me through her work at the Job Center. Mike Doyle was my mentor. I learned so much from Rick McDonald’s classes. The Ketchikan Campus enabled me to succeed. They really sheltered me. I appreciate the gift they have given to me and my family. I could not have graduated without the help of this community.” Strickling plans to finish up two more classes in the spring, and then graduate with her Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts Degree in General Studies with a minor in CIOS and art, and an emphasis in philosophy. She is focused on her new career: she plans on becoming a certified CISCO technician and will then work towards becoming a certified CISCO Professional. Strickling says, “It is very fitting that with my new job at Health and Social Services I will have the opportunity to help other people and improve my skills. Just three years ago, I was the one needing assistance from my new employer! I think things happen for a reason; I put my will out there, and the universe lined it up for me.” Strickling’s passion for her family is evident, as is her relentless determination to attain her career goals. The University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan is proud to count Sarah Strickling as soon-to-be alumni.
Infocus piece written by: Dawn Rauwolf
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