Not everyone finds their passion in life. Even fewer find it at a young age. 

Sebastian Velazquez, a skillful painter at Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and the first Employee of the Month for the 2024-2025 academic year, considers himself one of the lucky ones. He discovered his path more than 50 years ago and continues serving through his abilities to this day. 

“All my life I’ve worked as a painter,” said the 71-year-old, who will celebrate 15 years at HCDE in November. “I’m happy and I love my work. But I’m happy because Harris County Department of Education believed in me. So, I’m here to do my best.” 

Students and staff who sit in a classroom in HCDE’s special schools or walk through a hallway don’t always know it was Velazquez who transformed the facilities into pristine condition. He’s a soft-spoken yet invaluable member of the Facilities team, and as Assistant Director Javier Lara says, Velazquez’s work speaks loudly. 

An example is when Velazquez painted the awning at Irvington that connected the building to the parking garage. When HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. pointed the area out to Lara to be addressed, Velazquez took care of it and his professionalism and high standard was reflected in the work. 

“After it was done, Mr. Colbert came up to me and said, ‘That looks like it’s brand new. It looks like you replaced it,’” said Lara, who helped bring Velazquez to HCDE after the two met while working on projects downtown. “That’s the kind of work Sebastian does. 

“I even told Sebastian jokingly back then that every time he did some work, he needed to put his signature on the bottom like artists do, so people know this job was performed by him.” 

A man of humble beginnings, Velazquez is from San Luis Potosi, a city in central Mexico. He’s from a very large family – Velazquez is the second oldest of 15 siblings. 

Family remains important. Velazquez has three daughters and one son. He’s also a grandfather. 

He attributes his work ethic to his father, Gregorio. Velazquez lights up when speaking about the example his father set while working on farms in Mexico. 

“He was happy to do his work and also help people,” Velazquez said. “I mean, he got paid, but they knew he did good work on the farm.” 

But for Velazquez, who speaks proudly of his own children and grandchildren, it’s obvious he learned plenty from his mother, Julia. She took care of everyone and was the rock of the family. 

Those memories and feelings hit Velazquez hard. He pauses to collect himself while talking about her. 

“I have good memories,” he said through tears. “But yes, she took care of my daddy and my family. They made a strong family.” 

Velazquez moved to Houston in 1970 and it was another family member who led him to painting. A cousin invited him out to a work site. 

“When we’re young, we just try to do something,” Velazquez said. 

Painting wasn’t on the table right away, instead it was cleaning baseboards, sanding wood, filling holes with putty and other duties. Soon enough, painters saw the work ethic Velazquez learned on the farm. 

“The people looked at me and knew that I had something,” Velazquez recalled from his beginning. “As soon as they saw how I took the brush and how I took the roller, they would tell me, ‘Hey, you’re going to start painting.’” 

The apprenticeship was over. 

He proved more than capable of handling more duties and responsibilities. That’s the case at HCDE as well – Velazquez doesn’t just paint. 

If there’s a hole to fix, he can take of it. If there’s a doorstop that needs to be reinforced, he can handle it. Velazquez even spent a few days last week power washing playground equipment at Head Start centers. 

Lara and Velazquez met years ago while working downtown, when Velazquez worked for a painting company called El Centro Painting. Lara later joined HCDE and when a painter opportunity became available, he knew Velazquez was the right person for the job, even if it meant an earful from El Centro’s owners. 

“Sebastian is a great asset for Facilities and when I stole him, they sure called me to let me know,” Lara said with a smirk on his face. “I just asked if he was interested. He did the rest.” 

HCDE has benefitted from his decision. 

Velazquez said he enjoys being at HCDE because every day is different. Small issues do arise with colors and getting the right mix, but Velazquez finds a way because “the paint stores know me.” 

He just needs time. Give him enough and there’s no problem too big for Velazquez. 

“Through all these years, I’ve learned how I can paint and do everything clean,” he said. “I think it’s important to do things right and clean. Sometimes you’ll see sloppy work but if I were to do sloppy work, someone is going to say something. I don’t want anyone to say I’m a bad painter. So, I take pride in doing it right and clean. 

“HCDE is part of my family. I grew up a lot here. Thanks to Javier for bringing me here and thank God for giving me this work.”