Age: 41

Occupation: Licensed vocational nurse, Home Care Connections

Where did you receive your education?

Clayton High School, Clayton, N.M.; Frank Phillips College, Borger.

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

It has opened doors and given me opportunities I would not have had without an education.

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

Anxiety when it came to taking tests. I overcame the challenge by studying very hard and my faith in God.

What is the value of your education?

Priceless. I received a sense of accomplishment by continuing my education.

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

To stop and evaluate the situation because an education can bring many exciting opportunities to a person's life.

When did you make education a priority?

When I reached the age of 25.

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

When I stopped and looked at what my parents had accomplished and I noticed what they had been successful at.

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

I did think about quitting, but with the help and encouragement from my parents and a teacher, Allen Carter, I had to continue on. What kept me going was that I knew I could succeed.