Education gives attorney sense of security
Pamela Gleason
Age: 41
Occupation: Attorney at Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott.
Where did you receive your education?
Norfolk Academy, Norfolk, Va.; Altus High School, Altus, Okla. University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
How has your education played a role in your life today?
My education is something that cannot be taken away. It gives me a sense of security every day.
What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
I would say law school. It was unlike any educational experience I had ever had. By listening and working very hard, I made it.
What is the value of your education?
Education has opened the doors to many different opportunities throughout my career.
What would you say to someone who's undecided about continuing their education?
If someone is undecided, there is probably a reason - lack of money, time, support or other commitments. Do some digging. There are so many resources out there. Book a tour at Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University. Ask about career counseling and tuition assistance.
When did you make education a priority?
Education has always been a priority. However, it really hit me when I lived and worked in Dallas for a couple of years after college. I remember blowing my grocery budget to buy a pair of fabulous shoes. I lived on ramen noodles until my next paycheck! I was proud I could support myself and nobody could tell me how to spend my money. But I realized I wanted the shoes and good food, too. I went back to law school the next fall.
What made you realize the importance of education in your life?
My mother and father divorced when I was 18 months old. My mother had a college degree, but she still struggled because she had to work full time to support us. Luckily, we lived in the same town as my grandparents, who watched me after preschool and fed us dinner on many occasions. It was actually a college contact of mom’s who offered her a better job in another city. Growing up, knowing that story, always inspired me.
