Matthew Amescua

After graduating high school I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I began taking a few classes at my local community college. I always had an interest in Economics/Finance/Stocks. I began seeking a degree in that field. After a year I left college and decided that college was not for me and I began working. I worked security at a club in Houston and found a job as a file clerk at a Property Tax Consultants that was hiring summer help. After 2 1/2 years of working, I decided that if I was going to be the person that I knew I could be I was going to have to obtain a college degree. I enrolled at Houston Community college, it was sort of a test for me to see if I could actually handle school and working full time. My first semester back I remember how difficult I thought it was and the long path that lie ahead seemed ever so daunting. I took two classes my first semester back, during that semester I thought many times that I would not be able to finish and doubted myself. Once that semester completed, I felt pretty good and decided to take some summer classes. I took four classes that summer and my ambition and drive began to soar. I worked my way up at work and became a licensed Property Tax Consultant handling Business Personal Property Return filings and auditing, as well as many Real Estate property tax appeals. I have not stopped going to school and have increased my work load. My computer proficiency allowed me to fill in a role at my company when our IT director left. I was given the opportunity and took it in stride. This helped me find out a lot about myself, I love solving problems and helping others. I also found a passion for IT. I never thought I would be a tech guy but it has been the most rewarding. Thinking back on it now I wish I would have majored in Computer Science, but that just isn't how it turned out. It has been hard getting to the position that I am in, but I would not trade the experience for anything else. In May of 2017 I plan to graduate from the University of Houston, the thought now makes me smile. The journey I have taken, the endless nights of studying then getting up at 7 AM to go to work then taking time off to attend class. It has been tough I won't lie, but the feeling of achievement is something special that I wish more people could experience on the level that I have.