TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
with possible terror attacks and the anguish they experienced as her father oversaw the executions of death row inmates. Sarah also shared her fondest memory of living in the Governor’s Mansion. “At Little Rock Central High, it’s a tradition for the entire class to attend a senior breakfast to celebrate the end of high school. My senior year, our class decided to host it at the Governor’s Mansion for every student in the senior class. We raised money to pay for the food, and we even had an LRCH ice sculpture for the class of 2000. It was a great way to finish our years of high school together and close that chapter of my life before I went off to college at Ouachita Baptist University.” Beyond the logistics of having unfettered access to a house of worship and a 30,000-square-foot mansion, Sarah noted her upbringing shaped her perspective and laid the foundation for a deep faith in and reliance on God. She insists that her faith helps her deal with every aspect of life.
“It grounds me, reminds me what is really important and gives me hope and strength to persevere in adversity.” She credits being exposed to a diverse group of people during her formative years for helping her develop sincere compassion for others. “Nobody is unworthy of our compassion or beyond the redemptive power of God’s grace. I focus on people’s good qualities and do not dwell too much on their flaws.” One of the best lessons she learned from her dad while growing up was to, “always be who God created you to be, and never try to be anyone other than the unique and special person God has made you.” She stated, “It’s a principle I strive to embrace, even when it’s hard.” Sarah also feels strongly that her upbringing ingrained in her an appreciation for public service. Her parents did not shield her or her brothers from political life. On the contrary, they took them to political events as often as possible and exposed them to the life of campaigns and elections. It wasn’t until college that she realized it wasn’t completely normal to spend weekends asking people to vote for her parents. Reflecting on her life, Sarah has tremendous respect for the values her parents instilled in her and is committed to passing them on to her children as well. She also takes her children with her on the campaign trail anytime she can. “I let them loose with stacks of push cards and bumper stickers and hope that I am also instilling a deep appreciation for public service and a love for Arkansas and our people.”
I want to pave a path for kids in this state to run free and clear toward success by protecting their freedom and creating greater opportunity. ”
—Sarah Huckabee Sanders
For more information on Sarah Huckabee Sanders, pick up a copy of Speaking for Myself or visit www.sarahforgovernor.com.
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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