Age: 29
Occupation: School social worker

Where did you receive your education?
Palo Duro High School; Amarillo College; West Texas A&M University.

How has your education played a role in your life today?
I love helping children and families, and my education allows me to help them. My education also has allowed me to make contacts in the community I use as resources for the families I work with. Education is a way to improve myself and learn new things to assist me in my career.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
My greatest educational challenge was financial. I did not qualify for federal grants, and student loans were not enough to cover the costs and expenses. I worked two jobs, one full time and one part time, to pay for college.

What is the value of your education?
My education provides me with the knowledge to assist students and families to the best of my abilities. My education also enables me to be self-sufficient and fulfill my dreams of traveling and obtaining things I've wanted.

What would you say to someone who's undecided about continuing their education?
Continue your education, even if you don't know what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life. Start taking the basic courses you will need no matter what you do, while taking a class or two in different areas you are interested. If you don't want to go to school for a long time, take certification courses. Whichever route you take, you'll be thankful you did because an education is a stepping stone to making your dreams a reality.

When did you make education a priority?
Education has been a priority for me since elementary school. My parents really stressed the importance of education my whole life.

What made you realize the importance of education in your life?
I realized the importance of education in my life by seeing the struggles my family overcame.

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?
Yes, I did think about quitting. Working two jobs, going to school full time, and life's obstacles became overwhelming. The encouragement of my professors, advisers, and family gave me the strength to continue and not give up on myself.