Tim Pareti

Realtor, Residential Appraiser, Author

A Conversation with Tim

(Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.)

What is your current occupation?

I’m currently a realtor and Illinois Certified Residential Appraiser in Chicago. I also substitute teach and, of course, write.

How did you end up in the position you are in?

When I moved back to Chicago, my hometown, in 1998, the real estate market was booming. At the time I was earning a decent salary in the corporate world and as a freelance reporter with the Chicago Tribune and other publications. But a chance encounter with a friend in the real estate market lured me into the industry I’m in today.

How did A&M-Commerce prepare you for that?

The Masters in Journalism helped open doors to several positions I have held, which in turn improved my skills as a writer.

What did you like most about your time at A&M-Commerce?

The professors engaged the students in what was happening in the world of journalism.

Tell us about a memorable moment from your time here.

I enrolled and was accepted in the journalism Master's program when A&M-Commerce was still known as East Texas State University. At the time, I was working as an editor and reporter for a Dallas suburban newspaper chain. I still have a vivid memory of class discussion in Dr. Lamar Bridges' class about the internet and how it could affect the newspaper industry. My first time on the internet was in that classroom! If I recall correctly, I wasn't too impressed, probably because there wasn't much information out there, but I did realize the possibilities. The lively discussions in Dr. Bridges’ classes opened new doors for me in terms of how technology can change our habits and the way we communicate. To this day, I have the utmost respect for Dr. Bridges-he really knows his stuff!

What advice do you have for current students?

Strive for excellence! Be curious and take risks. Learn something new: join a club, learn a new language and a different culture, play on the intramural softball team, or take up a musical instrument. Always have a book to read. Read a Shakespeare play and memorize passages that move you. Engage with people around you: put the phone and laptop down and walk around campus, and start a conversation with a stranger. Compliment someone at least once a day. Bring coffee and donuts to your professor and talk about anything. Make dinner for your roommate once a week. Don't text or email, but call your parents and listen to them, thank them. Shine in the beautiful light we call life.