I have worked for this company for 27 years. I've been a staff photographer for 24 of those years. I originally went to @losmedanos in Pittsburg, Calif., to become a graphic designer. While going to school I got a part-time job as a photo tech at the Ledger Dispatch in Antioch.

The last class I needed to take for my associates degree in Graphic Design was a photography class. Well things got so busy with working and school I failed to turn in my final project in photography and failed the class. Yes a I got a big "F" in photography.

My big break came in 1999 when I got hired at the Contra Costa Times as a full-time photographer. My first big sports assignment was covering the Oakland A's in New York right after 9/11. Since then I've covered five NBA Finals, 4 World Series and 5 Super Bowls.

I've also covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans & multiple assignments in Mexico & El Salvador. My work ethic was given to me by my mom. My motivation to succeed was my way to thank her for all the sacrifices she made for me.

So never let anyone tell you what you are capable of doing. Find your motivation and follow your heart. It's not going to be easy but when you do succeed it will be so much sweeter because you earned it. I'm an illegal immigrant who learned to speak English in kindergarten.

Became a U.S. citizen in 2002. Then picked up a camera for the first time in his life at the age of 22 and was awarded with his colleagues the Pulitzer for Breaking News at age 45. So please don't give up and follow your dreams. Happy Mother's Day mom. I owe you everything.