Sam Freshner has known what he’s wanted to do with his life since he was in 4th grade. Back then, he knew that he wanted to be in the high school band and then join the army. He did both.

After years serving as a full time police officer,  Sam began working at a private college as the Director of Criminal Justice. From there, he worked in Iraq as an International Police Trainer. After being injured, he returned and started as the Criminal Justice and CSI Teacher for the Sabin Schellenberg Center.

In addition to teaching, Sam is one of our amazing Portland driver-partners. He recently won our UberEDUCATOR contest, completing over 200 trips, bringing home hundreds of dollars for his classroom and $5,000 for his school.

As someone who works with young people on a daily basis, his advice for the next generation is that education is never a waste, no matter what kind of education it is. He also wants to remind students that we all need to remember what we can do in life, not what we can’t do.

Join us in congratulating Sam Freshener and the hours he put in helping you get around Portland to raise money for his school.