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Esther Peres

Senior, Finance and Real Estate Dual Major

Who inspires you in regards of your career? Why?
Debra March, Executive Director of the Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies, never fails to inspire me. She continually devotes her efforts to helping students achieve their career goals. Debra March goes to great lengths to enrich education by utilizing her connections and providing interested students every opportunity to become involved in the real estate industry. Besides being an extremely active, accomplished, and well-respected member of the real estate industry, she has a raised a hero son whose selflessness has recently earned him the Silver Star. I owe the opportunities I have today and all my future successes in real estate to her.

What company or business do you admire the most? Why?
I admire businesses that take on the responsibility of giving back to their community by elevating local education. The companies who invest time to mentor students, offer internships, and actively put forth an effort to hire from local campuses are the foundation for building a strong community.

What part of the business world is sexy to you?
That's private information!

What piece of advice would you share with a freshman student entering college?
Get to know your professors now! They are not only the gateway to good grades but invaluable assets of advice and expertise. Build relationships with not only teachers but administrators; they are there to help you (promise) and most are more than willing to go above and beyond in order to facilitate you in getting the most of your education. It is surprising the kinds of opportunities that can develop from these relationships. It is very easy to give a bad grade to a number but by far harder to give one to a student who has taken the time to become actively involved in their education.

If you are having a bad day or having trouble with a project, where do you turn for inspiration?
Feelings of frustration are fleeting. The pride from our accomplishments can never be taken away. Endurance, purpose and the fulfillment of our obligations are antidotes to frustration and despair. I remind myself when life is frustrating and overwhelming that true happiness comes from pushing through the hard times and getting to the finish line.

If you could have any job, no limitations, what would you be doing?
Iron Chef judge.

What have you done (that you can confess to) that you never thought you'd do or be able to do?
I never thought I would be able to network. The prospect of striking up a conversation with complete strangers, who are often very accomplished and noteworthy professionals, was truly terrifying. After forcing myself to face my discomfort, I have come to realize the cliche is true- we're all people, unless one has a gun or a knife, there really is nothing to fear.