Sacrifice worthwhile

Socializing took a back seat to studying

Louis A. Homen
Age: 44
Occupation: Real estate broker.

Where did you receive your education?
Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.

How has your education played a role in your life today?
Education teaches you how to write, how to speak and how to solve everyday business problems as well as boost your ability to create new business concepts and opportunities. I have been an entrepreneur for most of my professional career, and education played a huge roll in helping me to achieve my business goals.

What was your greatest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?
Just the overall load during my junior and senior years, the level of courses and the time required to study and pass the courses. I overcame it by dropping the social events and spending the time required to get through it.

What is the value of your education?
Priceless! Education opens doors and gives you a chance to prove yourself.

What would you say to someone who's undecided about continuing their education?
I do not care what your major is, just get an education, you will use it the rest of your life. Without an education, you will peak out at about 35 years of age and you will soon realize that your educated bosses continue to get younger.

When did you make education a priority?
Senior year in high school.

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

Did you ever think about quitting? What made you keep going?
No, I never thought about quitting, but what really kept me going was the day my counselor told me that, in a year and a half, I will have my degree. There was light at the end of the tunnel, and I was actually in shock.