< Previous10 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2022 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: BIBLIOPHILE BOOKS, LLC Mackenzie Finklea, 25 Author and small-business owner Why did you go into your particular field? I made a career pivot from museums to publishing after the publication of my first book and the industry shifts of the 2020 pandemic. I decided to grow in this field because of a combination of my reverence for the written word and the satisfaction it brings me to help writers achieve their dreams of being published authors. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a kid, I changed my mind about what I wanted to be every few years, but the thread that tied these professions together was always creativity. Be that as it may, 5-year- old me would say “a princess cowgirl.” What was your first job? My first paid job was babysitting and tutoring children of all ages in my neighborhood and even nannying all week during the summer when I was in high school. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? No one achieves anything alone. Take writing a book for instance. My name may appear as the sole author on the final product, but I would not have achieved that feat without my support system, writing buddies, mentors and countless editors helping me along the way. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is the flexibility. I love working from home in my space and on my own schedule. I love helping authors, and I find my work fulfilling, but the most important thing to me is having freedom and balance. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish someone had told 18-year-old me that you don’t have to pick one thing and do it for the rest of your life. You’re allowed to make career pivots and follow your interests. I’m a much more productive member of society when I am interested in what I am doing and eager to learn more. Nothing has to be permanent, and it isn’t. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I often find my greatest mentors in my peers. It’s the people going through the same stages of life in a similar set of circumstances who can give the best advice. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I am not working, I relax by spending time with friends, family and my pets; eating at local restaurants; chilling by the pool; playing board games; and walking on the beach. I love living in Galveston! It’s a very relaxing place to be. What is something about you that most people don’t know? A lot of people don’t know that I like to sing. I was in choir and musical theater for my entire childhood. I joined the Galveston College Community Chorale in 2021, and I’m always game for car karaoke. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to be my own boss and manage a business of my own some day soon. It’s a dream of mine to own a bookstore in downtown Galveston and for it to be a meaningful community space. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? If I could pick any career and money was no object, I would love to try screen acting. I love watching sitcoms on repeat and find guilty pleasure in lip-dubbing sounds on TikTok.2022 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 11 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: JOHN SEALY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; HATS FOR THE HOMELESS Andrea Francis, 24 Medical student; founder and creator Why did you go into your particular field? I decided to do a community health quality improvement project in medical school called Hats for the Homeless because I wanted to create a lasting impact on my environment. Doctors have a unique and important opportunity to influence positive change in their community, and as a future doctor myself, I wanted to see how much I could expand care — even to preventative measures. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I have always wanted to be a doctor ever since I was young. Being in the doctor’s office at a young age, I grew to regard them as my main role model for what I wanted to be. My doctor not only treated me but gave me the confidence to face the world that stigmatized my disease. This was a turning point as it shaped what I wanted to be when I grew up and how I would achieve it. What was your first job? My first job was being a personal MCAT tutor. It was a very fun job as I was able to see my students progress over time to reach their goals. I still teach from time to time. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? If there is a will, there is a way! I have always been taught that persistence is key to achieving your goals, and I continue to remind myself that consistent drive and dedication can be such an impactful factor when it comes to life. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being able to connect with the community and see the instant impact. Working on this project for the past year, it has been so insightful to see how people evolve after only a brief interaction. Just by giving a hat and sun safety information to prevent head and neck skin cancers, I have been able to see first-hand how much of an impact direct and purposeful interaction with the community can make. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Don’t limit yourself. There were times that I would think that I was aiming too high, or I was creating an impossible goal, only to achieve it a couple of months later. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is Dr. Richard Wagner. He has provided extensive guidance and continues to provide opportunities for me to succeed. Creating and maintaining this program was daunting at first, but Dr. Wagner’s experience and support encouraged me to make this vision a reality. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to socialize with friends and host board game nights. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am an avid traveler and I have visited all seven wonders of the world. How do you hope to grow in your career? When I become a doctor, I hope to create a meaningful impact in the medical field. I want to be a fierce advocate for my patients and serve my community. I hope that wherever I practice will benefit from my service and gain better care as a result. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would probably be a teacher. I find the job to be very rewarding and I love instilling confidence when it comes to education. now more than ever, be in the know subscribe for just $22/month 409.683.5201 | galvnews.com/subscribeSASHA FRANCIS Community Engagement Coordinator GALVESTON COUNTY 40 UNDER 40 CONGRATULATIONS! Scan the QR code to see some of Sasha’s work in her role with the Galveston Bay Foundation promoting the Galveston Bay Report Card, birding, andsustainability! galvbay.org | 281.332.3381 | 1725 Hwy 146, Kemah, TX 77565 12 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2022 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION Sasha Francis, 36 Community Engagement Coordinator Why did you go into your particular field? I have a lifelong passion for wildlife and preserving habitats. After being a zookeeper for 12 years, I wanted to focus on conservation outreach to connect community members to their local ecosystem and resources to help them preserve and enjoy it. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A marine mammal trainer! What was your first job? A marine mammal trainer! Well, my first paid jobs ever were filing paperwork at my eye doctor’s office and bartending, but my first post-college position was working with beluga whales, sea lions and penguins at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” This quote from Baba Dioum has guided me through my animal care and conservation career. It’s a reminder of the importance of fostering people’s connection with our amazing planet. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Seeing someone take what they’ve learned from a workshop or presentation and continue to build on it with their own initiatives to help the environment and each other. I also love learning from our community. We always have things to teach one another. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Invest your time in a community where you want to stay. Start internships or entry-level positions in an area of the world you would like to live in for a long while. Having a vested interest in the people and lifestyle where you live makes any job, and your personal life, more rewarding. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Aside from my amazing mother who taught me to lead my life with kindness and compassion, I would have to say my friend T’Noya Thompson. We were zookeepers together and always pushed for more conservation outreach where we worked. She is an innovative leader who has a deep love for people and the planet and she has always guided me to new opportunities while also helping me find my best self. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I have a band with my partner, Sean. We write and perform music together as Little Heron. I also do aerial silks and lyra, teach and practice yoga, go paddleboarding, kayaking and hiking. Sean and I love to travel to national and state parks, too. And we love hanging out with our 16-year-old rescue dog, Cinnamon, and my awesome in-laws who live here on the island. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I worked in Costa Rica for two summers leading study abroad programs for high school students and part of my job was learning how to surf. How do you hope to grow in your career? I would love to be more involved in Texas environmental policies and help create local initiatives to reduce single- use waste on our island that also help our small businesses and community members save money. Read full profile at galvnews.com.2022 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 13 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: GALVESTON ISD; TEXAS FUSION ELITE YOUTH TRACK & FIELD Terrance Franklin, 33 ISS Coordinator; owner Why did you go into your particular field? Being a child brought up in the same community and city as our youth today, I felt I could be a mentor and make change. My youth sport coaches as a child were big influences. They definitely helped make a difference with me at an early age even still to this day. Family members who raised me and helped me grow in this same field also played a huge role. Special thanks to my cousin Roshawn Pope for introducing me and giving me the knowledge and guidance needed when I first got in this field. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As most males growing up, I always dreamed of being a professional athlete or anything within the field of sports. I wanted to always be like my older cousins Derrick and Roshawn Pope who raised me as the younger brother to them. What was your first job? Brodie’s Beach Hut. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Trust the process.” – Mark Roy Despite all odds, never give up. Grass doesn’t grow without rain. Take the rainy days in stride, eventually that grass will grow. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Being able to interact with the youth and actually see the progress within each individual I encounter. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The amount of hours and work required. The attachment and bonds built along the journey. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor would be my former coach and now my assistant coach Mark Roy. He showed me the ways of life and adulthood. He always went beyond measures to make sure I had an understanding not only about the sports, but the importance of life and parenthood. He displayed all the qualities of a successful man of the world today. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When not working, my relaxation consist of enjoying time with my kids as well as my extended kids I coach and mentor; all track and field duties for my organization, Texas Fusion Elite Youth Track Club; and playing PS5. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I plan on becoming a community leader one day for the kids of our future. How do you hope to grow in your career? Keep working to critique my craft and take notes and advice from successful people who share the same similar interest. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I probably would be utilizing my credentials as a safety coordinator within the refineries. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: COASTAL COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Yessenia Fuentes, 31 Risk Management/Special Projects Manager Why did you go into your particular field? In school, my favorite subject was math, so I knew I wanted to do something that had to do with numbers. Eventually, I learned I wanted to earn a degree in accounting. I knew I was going to need financial experience, so as soon as I graduated high school, I applied for teller positions, which landed me at Capital One Bank. This originally started out as a part-time job for me to get me through college and ended up being my life for 12 years now. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Since I could walk on my two feet, I loved to dance. I wanted to be a professional dancer or choreographer. I dreamed of moving to New York and going to school for dance. What was your first job? I worked at the Galveston Rainforest Café in the Build-A- Bear store. I was one of the first employees when Rainforest opened the store there. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be patient, be consistent and be present. You are always interviewing. What’s your favorite thing about your job? In my current role, I’d say getting to fix all the internal/external processes that are not what they need to be is my favorite thing about my job. I naturally like to problem solve, so being able to do that every day is what keeps me going. In general, working in banking, my favorite thing would be having the ability to enhance the quality of people’s lives financially. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You will be no good to anyone at work if you are no good to yourself outside of work. Taking care of yourself is important. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have worked alongside many successful women who all have been great mentors. They have seen the potential in me and have helped shape me in one way or another. My mother, Ana Fuentes, is the strongest and most hard-working woman I know. I take after her. Abbi Littlejohn was my assistant branch manager at Capital One and remains a very dear friend to me to this day. She coached me day in and day out, poured into me all that she could. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for her. Lori Leal was my branch manager at Capital One. She constantly motivated me and equipped me with whatever tools I needed to succeed. Kay Carmon, my current CEO, has been nothing but supportive of me. She has opened doors for so much opportunity, supporting me in attending CUNA Management School being one. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to spend quality time with my loved ones. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I was born in Detroit, Michigan. Spanish was my first language. I became a mom at 17. Read full profile at galvnews.com. GRASS DOESN’T GROW WITHOUT RAIN. TAKE THE RAINY DAYS IN STRIDE, EVENTUALLY THAT GRASS WILL GROW. BE PATIENT, BE CONSISTENT AND BE PRESENT.14 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2022 LIVES: FRIENDSWOOD WORKS: HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/ TEXAS CITY ISD Sarah Furman, 35 Principal Why did you go into your particular field? It sounds cliché, but I honestly wanted to make a difference in the world. I recognized I had so many opportunities afforded to me in life, due to my strong educational background and the amazing teachers I had growing up. I have found that without those educational opportunities and impactful educators, life would look very different for me and my family. I wanted to be able to make a difference for students, so that they could be whatever it is that makes them happy. I wanted them to know that they have options in life and to help lead them to be the best version of themselves, so they can reach their full potential and, hopefully, positively impact our world in doing so. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a pediatric neurosurgeon after we discovered I had a genetic back disorder that could paralyze me and prevent me from engaging in certain activities. I was very angry and disappointed with my situation, and I wanted to be able to figure out a way to fix my specific spinal issue, so that future children didn’t have to walk away from activities they loved like I did. What was your first job? I completed office work for my mom’s oil and gas business during the summers. I literally made lots of copies and created many files. I was also happily in charge of shredding. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The energy you bring into a room is a choice. How you treat people matters. Your kindness, honesty, your ability to apologize, and how you model what is right, matters every day. The relationships you have with people and your ability to collaborate, especially with people who know more than you, is incredibly important, if you want to be successful. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being able to see students and teachers grow every day. We ask so much of our students and our adults, and I love watching us figure it all out together and persevere through every challenge. I also love that every day is different and that the work allows us to find the best in our students and each other. Leading Heights is fun and challenging. It stretches who I am as a person. I love being able to think outside of the box to bring a better school experience to our students and their families. My students and staff inspire me each and every day to be a better me. I truly love that the learning experience we design and implement for our students can change their lives and our community for the better. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The power of goal setting is real. Setting goals and continually monitoring and adjusting your plans to meet those goals is the best way to make an impact on whatever you are working on. We all can rise to higher levels of achievement, when we are clear on where we are going. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mom. She was able to balance work and home with more grace than anyone I know. She excelled at her career but was always there for our activities, took care of my dad, and kept our house spotless. She had strong faith and worked hard all the time. I am still working to balance all the things that life throws at you with even half of the grace that she portrayed. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: CAJUN CHARM BOUTIQUE Jennifer Galloway, 38 Owner FAMILY: I have been married to my amazing husband, Earl Galloway, for 14 years. We have two sons, Peyton and Kylan Galloway. I have one stepson, Micah Galloway, and one grandson, Rowan Galloway. We also have two fur babies, Sam and Roux! ACCOMPLISHMENTS/HONORS: Being a wife and mother are at the top of my list. I was a surrogate four years ago, which is also pretty high up on the list. Recently, I was involved in the American Heart Association with planning the annual Heart Gala in Galveston. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I was the 2022 Auction Chair for the American Heart Association in Galveston. We are looking to bring more events to Galveston this coming year to help raise awareness more than anything. THE NEWS YOU WANT DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GALVNEWS.COM/ NEWSLETTERSRisk Management | Special Projects Manager We are so proud of you! Love, your CCFCU family. www.coastalcommunityfcu.org We are very proud of your accomplishments, hard work and for being chosen for this year’s class of 40 under 40. Love, Mom, Dad, Scott, Beth Ann, Karson, Gramma, Grampa, Pops and family INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT TOGETHER WE SUCCEED TOGETHER WE SUCCEED CONGRATULATIONS TO PRINCIPALS SARAH FURMAN HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY RACHEL MCADAM HAYLEY ELEMENTARY & ON BEING NAMED TWO OF GALVESTON COUNTY’S 40 UNDER 40 2022 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 15 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UTMB DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, DIVISION OF PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL MEDICINE Amy Gonzalez, 35 Pediatric Hospitalist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Why did you go into your particular field? Although I wish my job didn’t exist and children were never sick, it’s an incredible honor and privilege to be a pediatrician and help others in such a significant way. I do not take for granted that families trust me to care for their children in their most vulnerable moments. I really didn’t know that being a pediatric hospitalist was a “thing” until later in my training, but I quickly fell in love with the fast-paced inpatient environment and found my niche. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I never really had a backup plan — not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but I’m thankful it worked out. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? When approached with a new request at work (whether it be big or small), it’s okay to give yourself permission to say no — or at least not say yes right away. I’m still working on this. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I get to interact with so many bright students and residents and I love that I get to be a part of their journey. Hopefully, I teach them how to take good care of kids and if nothing else, that our patients are the most resilient and by far the cutest in the hospital. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? We don’t always have control over other people’s suffering, no matter how hard we try. In those times, compassion (especially for ourselves) can really help. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? This path has certainly been a long one and I’ve had too many influential teachers and mentors along the way to list by name. However, nothing that I have accomplished would have been possible without my loving parents who have shown me unwavering support and the value of sacrifice and hard work. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I’m a proud “Islander By Choice” and definitely take advantage of all the activities Galveston has to offer. I love walks with my dog (Gus), trying out new restaurants, checking out live music/ art on The Strand and nothing beats catching a Boat Club sunset. What is something about you that most people don’t know? It’s a life goal of mine to be on “Wheel of Fortune.” How do you hope to grow in your career? I will continue to be a life-long learner and hope to never lose the passion that brought me to this career. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I could see myself in the event/party planning business. I’m organized, detail-oriented and can’t stay away from a good time or a 10-piece band. IT’S OKAY TO GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO SAY NO. Carnes Realty Group LLC • 918-527-7724 Cell •409-539-7505 Office Congratulations Caitlin Carnes … You make your family PROUD ShrinersTexas.org Appointments: 409-770-6687 Donations: 409-770-6853 Congratulations - 40 Under 40! Katherine Hughes Development Officer Katherine contributes to Shriners mission by identifying and cultivating major donors, so the hospital can continue to provide our specialized medical services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We are proud to have her as a member of our team. 16 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2022 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: SHRINERS CHILDREN’S TEXAS Katherine Hughes, 36 Development Officer Why did you go into your particular field? I got into development in a roundabout way. I have always loved to travel, so I studied abroad in college and afterward taught English in Madrid for a year. At first, I wanted a career where I could continue to travel, so I earned my master’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Houston and began my career in hospitality sales. After a few years, I decided I wanted to work in a field with a cause that was important to me and began looking for positions in development for nonprofits. I knew it was a great way to utilize my sales background to help an organization further its mission. I am so happy that I ended up making this career shift because I love being able to contribute to a meaningful cause. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? So many things! But to name a few: a ballerina, a marine biologist or a literary agent (when I was a bit older.) I had quite the range! What was your first job? When I was about 15, I was a barista at a coffee shop located where Mod is now. That began my lifelong love affair with coffee! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “One day at a time.” It works whenever you’re confronted with anything daunting. Sometimes you can only focus on the present moment, and that is how you move forward. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love when donors are able to experience the impact of their gift. When they are able to hear a patient’s story or tour the hospital, they know that they are contributing to a wonderful cause. It is very powerful to see your donation helping change children’s lives. I am glad that I am able to contribute to Shriners’ mission of providing health care regardless of the family’s ability to pay. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? It’s okay to not have a specific “calling.” When I was in college, it was difficult for me to choose my major, and then as a young adult, I struggled to figure out which career path to pursue. After a few years, I ended up finding my niche; sometimes it just takes a bit longer than you anticipate. From that experience, I learned it is important to trust the process and enjoy the ride. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My mother, Nancy Hughes, who recently passed away. She was a physician, and she taught me the importance of pursuing your goals and working hard. After being a nurse for a decade and starting a family, she decided to go to medical school and graduated at the age of 39. She showed me that you can achieve anything that you really want; you just have to have persistence and believe in yourself. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy exercising, and I think that it is definitely the best way to reduce stress and relax. I also love to read on my front porch or just chill out on the couch with my wife. What is something about you that most people don’t know? When I was in high school, I worked at the old Colonel Bubbie’s for a summer. It was an experience! Read full profile at galvnews.com.2022 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 17 LIVES: SANTA FE WORKS: HEFFERNAN INSURANCE AGENCY Erin Keefe-Leblanc, 38 Insurance Agent Why did you go into your particular field? I am a third-generation Galveston Island insurance agent. It’s in my blood. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian. What was your first job? Babysitting. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You can’t control what others say or think about you, but you can control how you treat others. So, always lead with kindness. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Being able to interact with people on a daily basis. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That continuing education is extremely important to stay up to date on the trends and changes in insurance, which will benefit your clients. So, don’t just do the license requirement, seek out all knowledge you can. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have two. My mother, Gigi Heffernan, and my grandfather, Jack Heffernan. They both conduct themselves with such grace and kindness. They have taught me how to run a business with the highest ethics and compassion. I grew up knowing the client is always your number one priority. They taught me that, to be a good boss, you have to lead by being supportive, having an open mind and an open heart. And, to always give back to the community that gives so much to you. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love to just hang out at home with my husband, Seth, and our cats and dogs. What is something about you that most people don’t know? This is a really hard question for me to answer, as I am a pretty open book! Everyone knows I love animals, the Astros and SHSU! How do you hope to grow in your career? I want to keep learning more and more about the industry, and how to run a local small business that clients love to personally refer their friends and family to because of their great experiences with us. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Animal rescue. YOU CAN’T CONTROL WHAT OTHERS SAY OR THINK ABOUT YOU, BUT YOU CAN CONTROL HOW YOU TREAT OTHERS. SO, ALWAYS LEAD WITH KINDNESS.Congratulations, DeAndre’, on being recognized as one of The Daily News’ 40 Under 40. We’re so proud of you! C o n g r a t u l a t i o n , C o n g r a t u l a t i o n , D e A nd r e ’ ! D e A nd r e ’ ! 18 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2022 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: TEXAS FIRST BANK DeAndrÉ Knoxson, 28 Executive support assistant Why did you go into your particular field? I was interested in learning about business. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to be a police officer because I wanted to make a difference in my community. What was your first job? My first job I was a lifeguard with the City of Texas City in the Recreation and Tourism Department. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Philippines 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Being able to work in such a family- friendly environment. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I knew more about starting a business. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I consider my mother to be my greatest mentor because the of morals and values she instilled in me to grow and be the best man I could be. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling and indulging in new experiences and cultures. What is something about you that most people don’t know? In high school, I swam the 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. How do you hope to grow in your career? By obtaining my Business Management degree while continuing to learn and grow within the company. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would be a police officer. I CONSIDER MY MOTHER TO BE MY GREATEST MENTOR BECAUSE OF THE MORALS AND VALUES SHE INSTILLED IN ME TO GROW AND BE THE BEST MAN I COULD BE.2022 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 19 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: RTG Samuel Kunz, 31 Professional engineer Why did you go into your particular field? I always had a passion for roadways. As a kid, I was fascinated with road atlases, and I hoped to one day design the roadway networks I would see on the map. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Other than an engineer, I considered the medical field after a surgery on my hand when I was 6. I was blessed that I was given the opportunity to pursue essentially what I wanted to do as a kid. What was your first job? My first job was on a shrimp boat as a deckhand with my grandfather. Still to this day one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? One from each of my grandfathers, but they go hand in hand. On my dad’s side, my grandpa told me hard work was the key to a great life and as soon as you stop working, your mind and body will stop working. On my mom’s side, my grandpa told me after you’ve done all your hard work, take 10 to 20 percent and reward yourself with it on whatever you want, particularly a hobby to keep your mind busy and happy. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Hands down my coworkers. I work with some of the most intelligent and hard-working engineers in the state of Texas. They are always willing to help on any question I have and consistently put faith and belief in me to provide a quality product for our client. They have allowed me the freedom to be myself inside and outside of work. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I think this question changes year in and year out honestly. One year, I’ll say I wish I had more education on some of our programs we use to design highways, and the next, I’ll say I wish I knew more about contract structures or how we procure contracts. It’s a good problem though because it allows me to keep asking questions and learn. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I think in terms of education there were a multitude of people I could give credit to, but in the sense of how I live my life I would hands down credit both my mother and father. I think in many ways they are very different, but their balance on how they provide information and life lessons to me makes me more calm and relaxed. My mom will usually give me the “in the moment” advice; essentially that “here’s what we can do to calm down right now” information. Like me, she’s constantly moving and racing around, a true go-getter. My dad, on the other hand, is extremely relaxed and many of his lessons tend to come true down the road and not sweat the small stuff right now. The combination of my mother and father have taught me more than anyone ever could. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? My favorite hobby is golf. I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old with my uncle Craig and my cousin Bryan and it has continued with me as I’ve gotten older. Lately, I’ve been enjoying taking my puppy Ace to the beach or around town. Mainly anything outdoors and hanging with good friends. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON Sarah Lindsay, 31 Nurse practitioner Why did you go into your particular field? When I learned about the role of a nurse practitioner, I immediately knew it was a perfect fit. The opportunity to take what I learned as a bedside nurse and apply it to the clinical skills gained as a nurse practitioner allows me to create very individualized and thought-out care plans for my patients. When I worked night shift in the ICU, I quickly learned the middle of the night is a very vulnerable time for patients and family members. I had the honor of responding to their questions and concerns. Those patients taught me the importance of ensuring the plan of care is not only understood but also attainable for the patient. It is my passion to educate my patients on their condition and treatment options in a way I know is optimal for them. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Well, I am someone who was blessed to know what they wanted to be from a very young age. I think it’s safe to say health care was always a goal. I was drawn to and fascinated by learning about how our bodies function. I learned about the nurse practitioner’s role as a teenager. I started putting steps toward attaining this professional goal almost immediately. What was your first job? My first job was a receptionist at my dance studio. I also was able to assist with teaching the younger classes — this was my favorite part of the job! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “The early bird gets the worm but the late worm gets a slightly worse worm. There are worms everywhere. Sleep late. Do not let the worms dictate your lifestyle.” OK, this is tongue in cheek here. However, the advice takeaway I got from this was to rest. It has been a lifelong lesson for me to learn that a person can be driven and accomplished, yet still find space in life to pause. In fact, that pause may be the moment in which your next opportunity presents itself. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Connecting with my patients. My office is a safe space for them to express concerns and ask questions. It is an honor to be trusted with their care, and I really enjoy practicing a collaborative approach with my patients. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? To trust myself. There is a lot of weight in being a health care provider. I struggled with confidence early on, and while I know it is important to understand your limits and always look for opportunities to learn, having that confidence now sure helps reduce the stress. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? This is the most difficult question for me to answer. You know the saying “It takes a village”? Well, I am walking proof of this. I have had dozens of mentors along the way who guided me to where I am now. From my parents who have set me up for success and taught me how to navigate many important life lessons, to my educators who not only gave me the knowledge I needed to succeed but also boosted that confidence I have struggled with, to colleagues/friends/ family who set examples and pave the way for me to advance in my career and in life. There is no way I could pick only one mentor to speak on — I am grateful for all of them. Read full profile at galvnews.com.Next >