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I strongly believe the only way to achieve success is through mentors. Mentors offer important gifts -- the trick is recognizing and accepting these gifts.

I'm lucky, growing I had a lot of great adults in my life. Among them, my Aunt Tonda and Aunt Shirley really stand out. They're the people I can most depend on. No matter what, they'll always be there.

One of our favorite outings when I was 15 and younger was going to the bookstore. My aunts would load me up with books. I guess it paid off. I was an English major at Portland State and at graduation I had the honor of giving the commencement address. I know my success at school has a lot to do with those book shopping trips and their support.