My Story

Hello! My name is Michael Ernest Perez. On August 22, 2000 I completed my course of study at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. At TSTC, I received an Asoociate Degree of Applied Science in Digital Imaging Technology with a grade point average of 3.6. Among the various awards I received, my name was also added to the Dean's Honor Roll numerous times.

I graduated from Harlingen High School in May 1998 as a Texas Scholar. I am twenty-three years old now. Although mostly thought of as a quiet person, I can also be very outgoing and personable, and I enjoy doing many of the things most people my age do.

I live in a town called Harlingen in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. More than likely most people won't know where this is. Find a map and we are about 40 miles west of South Padre Island, Texas. Quaint town, though there isn't much to do here.

There are several elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one military academy (Marine Military Academy), and one college (Texas State Technical College). Visit our town's Chamber of Commerce at Harlingen.com.

If you would like to find out more about this town and its surrounding areas, visit our local newspaper (and my current place of employment) The Valley Morning Star.

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Creativity

Creativity has been a major part of my life since I was very young. I have always been proud of my imagination. When I was young, I used to set up my toys to create elaborate stories, or create comic strips on paper napkins at dinner.

In high school, I was active in the arts - music being the most time consuming and enriching.

I was seventeen when I was introduced to the capabilities of modern computers and software. Since I first learned how to use Adobe Photoshop, I knew I had wanted to make my life about digital imaging. Even Corel Draw helped me learn that you can have more than paper and pencil to draw beautifully.

Of course, you can never forget the roots that stemmed this love for the digital world. Today, I continue to expand my creativity by sketching, painting, and studying music.

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Family

I come from a rather large Hispanic family, and it is an integral part of my life. In my immediate family, there are only three children - I am the youngest, while my sisters Katherine and Julie Ann "outrank" me.

The large part of my family comes from my mother's side. She is the eldest of eight children. Each of these children are married with children of their own. There are around 25 grandchildren altogether, and just recently my mother's parents have become great-grandparents.

We are all very close to each other and spend every Sunday afternoon down at Grandpa's farm. It is quite special to be as close of a family as we are, and I don't know what life would be like without their support. I cherish them with all my heart.

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Ambition

I have always a had a strong ambition to attain my goals. I learned at a very young age that in order to receive the most out of life, you must earn it. I have since been a hardworking individual. I do enjoy my rest time, but when I am presented with a challenge, rest assured the task will be completed thoroughly.

The goals I strive to meet are the driving force of my life. They are what keep me going, and I will not stop until I feel a sense of accomplishment.

I believe this drive was a gift from my father. He has always been the hardest working member of my family, and he takes pride in what he gains from work. I hope to be more like him as I grow older.

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Hobbies

My hobbies really keep me busy in an otherwise uneventful community. If I have a moment to spare, you are sure to find me enjoying these activities.

Mostly, I enjoy sketching in my sketchbook. My favorite media are charcoal and colored pencil, but I work in oil pastels and acrylic paints as well. I also enjoy watching and critiquing movies, and I am a big fan of anime (Japanese animation). There is always something to say about a film when I am around.

I always have music to listen to, as well. From Faure to Depeche Mode, my music interests vary wildly. I enjoy much of today's electronica music, but have a great appreciation for the masters of music from long ago.

I also thoroughly enjoy photography. I have inherited my father's love of the lens as well as the actual lens. My father has since retired from taking pictures, but he has passed down the reigns to me. I use all of his old equipment, which produces wonderful shots. Social events, road trips, holidays, even the first day of a new season are all typical subjects of my photography.

When I am outside, I enjoy landscaping - adding principles of design to even the trees in my backyard. Other outdoors activities I enjoy are hiking nature trails, going for walks around the lake, or spending a relaxing day at the beach.

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