From High School to MBA: Christian Perez’s Journey of Hard Work

I’m chatting with Christian Perez, a young man whose story is a powerful example of hard work and determination. Christian, at just 19 years old, has already graduated from college and is on track to complete his MBA by the age of 20.

He shares that he started dual enrollment courses at West Virginia State University when he was 15. Taking as many credits as possible during high school allowed him to graduate from college by 19. His story is one of perseverance and dedication, and he encourages high school students to take advantage of dual enrollment credits, summer classes, and the many scholarships available.

I find it impressive that Christian managed to complete his undergraduate degree so quickly. But what’s even more impressive is that he’s now on the verge of completing his MBA. When I ask him what he learned through this process, he emphasizes that success isn’t just about intellect; it’s about work ethic. Christian’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work. He says that anyone who hears about someone earning an MBA at such a young age might assume that person is the smartest in the room. But Christian insists that this isn’t true in his case.

He tells me that he didn’t have the highest SAT scores and didn’t receive many scholarships. Despite being in the 40th percentile for SAT scores, Christian has always worked hard. He’s had a job since he was 15, and that experience instilled in him a strong work ethic. He believes that success isn’t just about achieving goals but also about the kind of person you become in the process.

I ask him to define work ethic, and he explains that it’s the willingness and ability to work every day, set goals, set priorities, and build long-term relationships based on trust. For Christian, work ethic encompasses all these aspects.

With his MBA nearly complete, I’m curious about his plans. He tells me that he has already secured a job at Merrill Lynch, where he is the youngest person the firm has ever hired. At 19, he’s also the youngest person to have obtained his Series 7 license, the first step in becoming a financial advisor, which he earned through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Christian’s accomplishments are remarkable, and his gratitude for the opportunities he’s had shines through in our conversation.

As we wrap up, I ask Christian what advice he would give to others who want to achieve something special. His response is straightforward: if he can do it, so can they. He emphasizes the importance of developing a strong work ethic and being willing to work hard. Christian’s story is an inspiring reminder that with determination and a solid work ethic, it’s possible to achieve great things, regardless of where you start. As I reflect on our conversation, I’m struck by the simplicity and power of Christian’s message. Success doesn’t require being the smartest person in the room; it requires hard work, dedication, and the willingness to push yourself every day. Christian Perez embodies these principles, and his story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible.