Episode 95: From Prison to Summa Cum Laude: Sarah’s Journey of Second Chances & Self-Belief

In this episode of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John sits down with Sarah Gehrt, a graduate of his workforce and life skills classes who once came through his reentry program after serving six years in prison. Sarah opens up about a lifetime of addiction, the moment everything caught up with her, and what it took to finally decide, “If I want to be something different, I have to do something different.” She shares how John’s “beast mode” mindset, accountability, and real-world workforce skills helped her go from angry and resistant to applying for 60 jobs in a week, pursuing education, and rebuilding her life. Today, Sarah is a Walden University graduate (summa cum laude), the first recipient of a full-ride Bridges Reentry scholarship, and a Student Success Advisor supporting hundreds of students. She now mentors other women coming out of incarceration, advocates for stronger vocational and soft-skills programs, and proves that your past doesn’t have to define your future. If you’re coming out of prison, in recovery, hiring second-chance employees, or you just need a reminder that change is possible, this conversation will hit home.