Paul Valadez was born in San Francisco, California, but relocated to Stockton, California in the central valley south of Sacramento. He comes from a small family, with one younger brother. He recalls his mother being from Wilkes, NC, and his father’s family was from Mexico although he was born in Modesto, California. His mother took care of the home for a few years, and then worked for the county. His father was a laborer at an auto glass company. School for Mr. Valadez was very hard, as he was a troubled and poor student. He was expelled from several schools before high school, and barely graduated. After high school, he attended a junior college for 6 years, which only led to him dropping out, and having to leave his parents’ house. He then earned a scholarship to the San Francisco Art Institute where he earned his BFA in Interdisciplinary Art. After graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute, he was granted a fellowship to UNC Chapel Hill where he earned his MFA studying Studio Art. He says the thing that had the most impact on his life and career choices was his wife Lisa, and that nothing in his career path was planned. His wife set up the appointment for the scholarship to the San Francisco Art Institute, and made sure he went. He received the fellowship to UNC Chapel Hill out of the blue because his mother told him to apply because he has family in NC. Lastly, Mr. Valadez says he did not choose his career. His career chose him. He credits his education to now knowing how to be a student, skills he did not acquire until the end of his educational career. After graduating from Graduate School, he applied to teaching positions all over the country, and was offered a job teaching art at the University of Texas at Rio Grande, where he has been ever since.