Smart choices led to lucrative work
Mark Reeves
Age: 49
Occupation: Certified Financial Planner/Investment Advisor - Cornerstone Financial Advisors

Where did you receive your education?
High School: Yoakum High School, Yoakum. College: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville. Other: College for Financial Planning, Denver.

How has your education played a role in your life today?
It helped me develop a discipline that I can carry over to my profession.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
I was a collegiate athlete (track and field) which took a lot of time and this made studying more difficult. To overcome this challenge, I met with friends (who) held me accountable during the season.

What is the value of your education?
Priceless. It is a confidence builder!

What would you say to someone who is undecided about continuing their education?
Continued education is vital to a person's future success in most cases.

When did you make education a priority?
My parents were instrumental in helping me see the value of being well-educated.

What made you realize the importance of education in your life?
I observed the people in my life (who) were struggling financially, and I realized that their lack of education was the reason for their struggle. Our choices all play a part in our ability to succeed. Most often, education is the way to achieve success.

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?
I never thought of quitting because I knew that having success would require a lifetime of learning. In our fast-paced world, it is important to learn something new every day. I strive to learn something new in my profession every day.