Age: 32

Occupation: Project manager, Western Builders

Where did you receive your education?

Tascosa High School; College: civil engineering degree, Texas A&M University

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

My background in civil engineering really prepared me for the challenges of managing construction projects. Not a day goes by that I don't draw from that experience to perform my job. Social interaction is a secondary education that we learn as well.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?

Getting past resting on my laurels was a real challenge. It was very easy to believe that being a good student in high school was automatically going to make me successful in college. I had to learn how to study. After learning better study habits and working in study groups, I enjoyed more success.

What is the value of your education?

The sense of accomplishment. I am extremely proud that I overcame the challenges and graduated. Also, I now work for a great company.

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

I would encourage them to spend plenty of time thinking about it before taking action. College isn't for everyone, and there are plenty of opportunities for success without college. However, college is a challenge and everyone hits bumps in the road. Don't give up after a bump.

When did you make education a priority?

Early in my life. I had good teachers that I enjoyed learning from. I was very inquisitive about knowing more about things and the world.

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

As I got older, the excitement and thirst for knowledge met up with a knowledge of how the world works. In high school, I started to realize I was going to have to start thinking about making my own way.

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

I had a class that I wasn't doing very well in, and I spoke to the professor about it. He encouraged me to stick it out and I ended up making a "B."

He taught me one of the most important lessons I ever learned. Success in that class was defined as perseverance. College is all about perseverance and growth from your first day as a freshman to your last as a senior.