We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Harrington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most rewarding project I’ve ever undertaken was creating my own microschool. With over a decade of teaching experience, I often felt a deep desire to do more but couldn’t break free from my current setting. There were times I felt overlooked and unfulfilled, and then a transformative experience made me realize the true potential of education. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers were sent home, and I found myself homeschooling my 8-month-old son along with my 4- and 5-year-old niece and nephew. Our mornings were spent working through their school packets, and the afternoons were filled with field trips. I remember thinking, “This is how education should be!” Although I worked at one of the best schools in the district, I knew I had to create my own path. I made a promise to myself that one day, I would open my own school. After my son’s first year at a traditional school left me unsatisfied, In September 2023 I started planning a learning center that would operate inside a converted school bus. This unique space would allow my son and my students to embark on daily adventures that would make learning come alive and connect to real-world experiences. One year later, Solstice Hybrid Academy opened its doors, and I’ve had the privilege of providing enriching educational opportunities to over a dozen families in my community.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sarah Harrington, and I’ve called Hampton Roads home my entire life. I attended Old Dominion University, where I studied Art, and after graduation, I spent a couple of years contemplating starting my own business. However, I lacked the experience and support to make it happen at the time. I considered teaching and decided to test the waters as a substitute teacher. It didn’t take long for me to realize I had found my calling. I was inspired by the students I worked with and loved engaging with them—learning, playing games, and watching their growth. Driven by this passion, I returned to school to earn my teaching license and landed my first full-time teaching position in 2016. I thrived on the challenge of teaching, always eager to problem-solve and find ways to connect with and inspire my students. I made mistakes, just as they did, but I grew from them and encouraged my students to never give up. In addition to my work in education, I’ve become an avid cyclist and an advocate for women in the sport within my community. In 2017, I founded the city’s first all-women cycling group, which has been riding together ever since. Although I took a break from 2018 to 2020 to welcome my son into the world, once he was old enough, I was back on the bike. These women-only rides create a safe, supportive space where female cyclists can enjoy the sport and feel confident and supported. Cycling and empowering women have always been passions of mine, and this drive to lift others up is what inspired me to take the bold step of starting my own school. Whether it’s empowering my son, my students, or the women in my cycling group, my passion is all about helping others reach their full potential. I want everyone to feel seen, heard, and capable of shining. In whatever capacity I can, I’ll do everything in my power to help others thrive.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’ve always been a problem solver, sometimes to a fault. I vividly remember a conversation with my therapist where she asked, “Do you think you might be a ‘fixer’ rather than a ‘helper,’ and that sometimes people just need you to listen?” It struck me deeply. For so long, I tried to “fix” things, especially when it came to traditional education. But there came a point when I realized I couldn’t change it—and that many didn’t want it changed. That realization forced me to think outside the box. I couldn’t fix the system, so I had to create an alternative. The truth is, some things simply won’t change, and when that’s the case, you have to be the one to make the change. If you find yourself stuck in a place where your voice isn’t heard, where you can’t reach your full potential, or where you’re constantly put down, it’s time to think outside the box. Imagine a place where you can do the things you’ve always dreamed of. Consider all the ways you could help others. Think about how you can make the world a better place. Because, in reality, that’s what truly needs fixing—the world itself. It needs more people who are willing to think creatively, find solutions, and make bold changes.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is watching things grow. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the things I create bring happiness to others. Whether it’s when a woman shows up to one of my bike rides, unsure of how to ride, and we spend the whole evening doing circles in a parking lot as she gains confidence; or when one of my students experiences the best education they’ve ever had, finally feeling safe and secure; or when my son decides to write an assignment about “how much he loves his mom.” These moments fill me with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. They make my heart race and take my breath away. I’m deeply grateful for the gift the universe has given me to create spaces where people feel loved, seen, and safe. Watching others grow into the best versions of themselves while I cheer them on from the sidelines is a feeling that can’t be topped. There is truly no greater joy in the world.

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