Former University Employees Show Education Helps

Aliso Viejo, Calif. Feb 16, 2006 – (Part 4 of 5) Anita Lam of Elfant Wissahickon Realty and John McCloskey of Coldwell Banker Real Estate were today named as finalists 7 and 8 for the Real Estate Apprentice Grant program.   Both will receive $5,000 worth of real estate education, books and other career products and services.

Anita Lam

As a 19 year old Chinese shop girl in Hong Kong Anita had dreams of higher education. After working three jobs Anita won a full scholarship to Beaver College in Philadelphia. She arrived in the United States in 1971 knowing no on. Since then, she completed graduate school and worked as a teacher and administrator in colleges and universities. In July 2005, after 16 years of service, Anita was laid off because of “restructuring.” In the midst of great turmoil, a friend introduced Anita to real estate and a new career was born. “I love my brokerage and I could not have done better,” she says. Anita is a full time agent with Elfant Wissahickon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She took her real estate licensing course at Polley Associates, a RealtyU^® Affiliate in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Prior to his career in real estate, John McCloskey was a licensed Respiratory Therapist, in California and Arizona. During those years John also worked in university administration at the University of San Diego. Later he moved back to Philadelphia and completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Drexel University. Thereafter he returned for another 10 years to the University of San Diego during which time created a new department on campus while in addition managed another office on campus. During this time John began his doctorate in Leadership Studies, the efficacy of Group Relations and experiential education.   In 2005 John re-evaluated his life and decided that to move to Arizona in search of a better quality lifestyle. “Here, I was able to finally do what I had always wanted to do - become an independent contractor and work for myself,” John said. Like most new rookies he has experienced he share of financial stress. He has however persevered, managed expenses, took quality training classes, and pushed forward for confidence. He recently sold his first house and have various other potential clients in the pipeline. John took his real estate licensing course at Hogan School of Real Estate, a RealtyU^® Affiliate in Tucson, Arizona.