celebrate education - brought to you by the amarillo globe-news
Best & Brightest recognizes the outstanding graduates of 2008. It features the valedictorians and salutatorians from area schools.
Realtor lives 'wonderful' lifestyle
Paul Sintas aka Pablo
Age: 47 and loving it!
Occupation: Office Director/ Realtor GRI - French and Co., Realtors

Where did you receive your education?

High School: Texline Independent Schools College: Texas State Technical Institute and Amarillo College Other: From many mentors, friends and family through the years.

How has your education played a role in your life today?

My education has enabled me a wonderful lifestyle, which allows me to have ample time to spend with my family and friends, travel where and when I want and to be able to afford it.

What is the value of your education?

Priceless! In fact, I continue my education throughout the year, not only to fulfill the requirements of The Texas Real Estate Commission, but to improve my knowledge and perhaps hone my professional skills.

What would you say to someone who's undecided about continuing their education?

I would begin by initiating a "1 to 1" conversation with that person. I feel that most people are really very open-minded when you have a private discussion as opposed to dictating or preaching to them. I would end that discussion by disclosing my disappointment in myself for having wasted so much time after high school.

When did you make education a priority?

At 27 years old, I enrolled at Amarillo College to take the necessary courses to obtain my real estate license. I continued my full time job as a waiter and bartender and was able to get an "A" in every course. During this time, I discovered that I was not allergic to learning!

What made you realize the importance of education in your life?

When I realized the fact, that in order to obtain the type of lifestyle that I was craving, would forever be out of my reach without an education.

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?

Once I made up my mind about continuing my education, I have not looked back, due to the fact that I now recognized my potential. Continuing education gives you a certain pride in yourself, a certain confidence, that one probably only understands after having achieved or complete an educational goal! Quitters never win!

calendar of events
  • January 13
    Celebrate Education Special Section
    Find out what Celebrate Education is all about in this special section in your Sunday paper.
  • January 14
    Kickoff event at Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
    Join the partners at the Globe-News Center to formally kickoff the Celebrate Education program.
  • March 22
    Spelling Bee at West Texas A&M University
    The annual Regional Spelling Bee will feature the top spellers from the Panhandle. The winner will represent the area in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in June.
  • April 3
    Amarillo Reads
    Community wide reading project that focuses on the importance of reading for people of all ages.
  • April 12
    What's a Kid to Do at the Amarillo Civic Center
    This event will focus on activities and camps for children to participate in during the summer..
  • May 17
    Best and Brightest at West Texas A&M University
    Luncheon recognizing valedictorians and salutatorians from high schools in the region. 20 other notable students will be honored for volunteerism and service.
  • May 9-29
    Beating the Odds
    A series of stories published daily in the Amarillo Globe-News during the graduation season that profiles people who have inspiring stories to tell about the degree they are about to receive.
  • Fall 2008
    Yes, You Can
    This event will being together information providers that will benefit persons seeking the next step in their education.
  • Fall 2008
    Discover College Day
    Every 5th grader from amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, Highland Park and River Road school districts will visit a college campus in our area to learn more about college and the careers that are available to those who get an education.
 
 
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