@sergioandsheila: Nothing about getting into this luxury market came naturally or easily for us. We didn’t grow up in Preston Hollow or the Park Cities, and we didn’t begin our careers with an established network of families and connections in these neighborhoods. We had to learn the market from the ground up and prove our value every step of the way. We had no other choice but to be resourceful with what we had. That’s always been our story. My mom cleaned houses and dad worked in construction his entire life. I didn’t even think college was realistically within reach for me until I met Sheila. We both worked full-time while going to school. Sheila wanted to attend SMU because she knew the education and relationships could open doors for our future, but we couldn’t simply afford to go there. She found a job in SMU’s Planning, Design and Construction Department, where she worked with project managers on the new buildings being constructed across campus. That position paid her FULL tuition, and she only had to cover her books. Then we had to figure out how I could get there too. Sheila researched every possible avenue and found an Evening Studies program for working students who already had an associate’s degree. Tuition was approximately a third of the traditional cost, although the available majors were limited. We figured out a path where I could take economics courses as electives and ultimately transition into economics major. When SMU initially tried to charge me traditional tuition after I changed majors, I challenged it because nothing in the program prohibited what I had done. Eventually, they honored the original discounted tuition structure. That is how Sheila and I both graduated from SMU. Although our parents didn’t always have the education, financial support or life experiences to guide us, we dared to dream bigger and trusted God to lead the way. Through faith and perseverance, He opened the right doors and guided our steps to where we are today. Forever grateful for His faithfulness. 🙏🏽

Sergio & Sheila

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Tuesday 20 October 2026 10:56:57 GMT