Education an 'investment'

CPA calls degree 'critical' for job

Dianne Hill
Age: 46
Occupation: Executive director of Opportunity School, a nonprofit early-childhood program.

Where did you receive your education?
Amarillo High School; West Texas A&M University.

How has your education played a role in your life today?
So many different parts of my formal and informal education prepared me for this work. My parents always stressed the importance of education. My sister and I were given the time, the support and the tools to do well in school.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
Going back to college as an adult to take accounting and early-childhood courses after getting my bachelor's degree was challenging.

What is the value of your education?
My education represents an investment of time and passion, and its value is immeasurable. Education is an investment that yields at least tenfold the amount of time a person puts into it.

What would you say to someone who's undecided about continuing their education?
Follow your heart, and invest in yourself. You will never regret it.

When did you make education a priority?
I don't remember a single turning point in making it a personal priority. But as I've experienced the incredible, transformational power of education in the lives of the young children, I've realized that education is our best, brightest hope if we want to change society for the better.

What made you realize the importance of education in your life?
We don't always understand the importance of education as much as we should while we're younger. Experience has made me realize the incredible gift of being able to receive a well-rounded education.

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?
During the tough times, my husband, my co-workers, my friends, my family and my faith help to convince me that all things are possible.