2007 Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit:
“Portraits of Alumni Achievement”

María de Lourdes C. Sánchez ‘77

“All you need to do is want to improve and you will succeed.
Do not dwell on misfortunes. Concentrate on how you can improve your life.”

María de Lourdes C. Sánchez ‘77, BA
Vice-President/Comptroller
G.L. Properties, Inc.

María de Lourdes C. Sánchez has a no-nonsense approach to success. As the oldest daughter to a single mother with six children, she assumed the household duties while her mother worked two or three jobs to support them. Life was very hard for this girl who had to grow up fast.

Sánchez never felt sorry for herself. Whenever one of her siblings expressed any discontent with their poor lifestyle, her mother would tell them that if they did not want to live such a life, they must apply themselves in school and get a college education. Thus, Sánchez has learned razor-sharp focus on achieving the task at hand. This focus is what has helped her build her business.

Taking advantage of the University that was being established in Laredo, she worked while putting herself through school. Even though she graduated almost thirty years ago, she continues to glean lessons from life and shares her insight with others. “Learn and pass it on to others so that you can learn other things to better yourself.”