Education brings personal freedom
Lynn Rector
Age: 41
Occupation: Funeral director, Rector Funeral Home

Where did you receive your education?
Mobeetie High School; Canyon High School; Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.

How has your education played a role in your life today?
In my job, education enabled me to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director and embalmer. In addition to learning anatomy, chemistry and microbiology, I also had to learn how to help families during a very stressful time in their life. I had to study a lot in sociology and psychology to understand how different people deal with the loss of a loved one.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
My greatest educational challenge was the transition from high school to college. In high school, everyone is close to the same age. In college, you have a very diverse student body. Moving away to attend college was somewhat of a challenge as well.

What is the value of your education?
My education is priceless. It has allowed me to become a successful businessman and support my family in ways that I could have never done without attending college.

What would you say to someone who is undecided about continuing their education?
Go to college and get your basics. As you come in contact with others, you may decide what you want to do as a career. A college degree will enable you to get a better-paying job, as well as expand your career choices.

When did you make education a priority?
When I was in eighth grade, I decided to do my very best to get straight A's. I didn't always get them, but my attitude toward getting good grades helped make college much easier.

What made you realize the importance of education in your life?
I realized at an early age that the most successful people I knew had attended college. I never thought of not furthering my education after high school.

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?
Working full time and going to college full time was a challenge. I always looked toward the goal of getting my degree and how a small amount of time in my life would greatly affect the rest of my life.