In its May newsletter, The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) highlighted appreciative sentiments from a PAREA (Practical Application of Real Estate Appraisal) Pathways to Success Scholarship recipient. Sam Harris, the first Pathways to Success graduate, shared his thoughts in a letter sent to TAF.
“I cannot understate my overwhelming gratitude to The Appraisal Foundation for funding my PAREA Pathways to Success Scholarship,” Harris wrote. “My career has always been centered on problem-solving, mentorship, and service. I have transitioned from nuclear engineering to corporate executive leadership and later into building affordable residential housing for the community I grew up in to give back.
“While considering my next chapter, I wanted a profession that would combine my technical and analytical skills with the love I had developed for Real Estate, and I believed that a career of a Residential Appraiser offered the perfect intersection,” he went on to say. “The autonomy of the profession was a perfect fit, given that I have spent decades working independently.”
After completing his required appraisal courses, Harris spent nearly a year trying to secure a supervisory appraiser to obtain the necessary experience hours. Despite his background, he encountered significant resistance and repeated rejection, and it was a discouraging and disappointing period,” he admitted.
“I began to feel defeated until I recalled the PAREA program which I learned about in one of my first appraisal courses,” Harris wrote. “Although it seemed like a great way to move forward, the cost would be a barrier given that my corporate career and primary source of income had come to an end.”
In February 2025, Harris received an email about the Pathways to Success Scholarship. It was a glimmer of hope, given that this opportunity fit both his circumstances and qualifications. He applied for the scholarship, and receiving the news that he had been selected was an emotional, defining moment in his appraisal journey.
Additionally, he told TAF this scholarship removed the financial burden that would have prevented Harris from participating in PAREA. It gave him the ability to fully dedicate himself to the program’s rigorous curriculum without distraction.
And because of the scholarship, Harris was able to successfully complete the PAREA program, which gave him a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation.
Equally important, he points out in the letter, it restored his confidence and is a testament to the principle that persistence and faith can lead to opportunity, even in the face of adversity.
“I fully believe that PAREA provided a broader and more diverse learning experience than traditional mentorship alone. The range of scenarios and structured training prepared me to enter the appraisal field with confidence and immediate value,” Harris said. “I now feel prepared to enter into this career not just with technical knowledge but also with the judgment and adaptability required to be successful and effective.
“To aspiring appraisers who may find themselves where I was a year ago, I would say this: remember to remain patient and persistent. The traditional path to securing a supervisor can be challenging and, at times, discouraging, but do not let that deter you,” he concluded. “Explore alternative pathways like PAREA, which offer structured, high-quality training and a viable path into the profession. Stay committed to your goal, even when progress feels slow.”