How did your education here contribute to your professional success?
As I started graduate school at Chaminade and started to learn and pass classes, my confidence also grew in my abilities and ambition. The sense of accomplishment and achievement has been the fuel to not only further my education and learning, but to also motivate and encourage others to do the same. I constantly remind my staff that I want to sustain a culture of ambition and continuous self-improvement. It’s a joy to see others win in education and life while making a difference in the world and their personal paths of life.
Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?
Managing time and setting a routine to study and learn were disciplines that I acquired while getting my graduate degree at Chaminade. I was able to not only work full time and live independently, but also ensure I scheduled time to study on campus and attend classes. As a young adult, I appreciated being around other like-minded scholars working hard at learning and achieving their goals. The environment at Chaminade was one where you were part of a community that valued education and were surrounded by others that held ambitions to be productive members of society.
How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?
The classes I took at Chaminade were led and facilitated by passionate educators with a heart to pour in and grow students. The same efforts extended to me as a student, I have been able to do as well in my role as an educator and administrator. It also has given me confidence in the ability to work on challenges, press on through to victory, and ensure I can apply learning in the environments I am placed in.
How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?
I decided to attempt my PhD in Human Service with a focus on Criminal Justice shortly after graduation. After a brief two semesters, I focused on my career and young family as I brought them from the Philippines. A few years later we all moved to the mainland where we eventually landed in Texas. I had started my teaching certification and started on a path leading to a career in education. A few years later I obtained my principal’s certification and shortly was able to get hired as an assistant principal where I served for seven years. During that time, I continued to get my superintendent certification. I am currently finishing my third year as a building principal in Fort Worth, Texas. Although I have applied, and set up plans to obtain an EdD, I currently have not committed. Going back to finish a doctorate is a current goal that I hope to achieve soon.
How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?
Continual growth is key. Learning new skills, pushing the tolerance of abilities, and building knowledge and wisdom from prior learning all have contributed to helping me be a more well rounded person that adds value to my family, my relationships, my community, and the other realms of influence I am a part of. Keeping a legacy mindset where I leave the world and relationships that I’ve established better than before is a motivational driver to continue to improve myself and give back to society. Higher education has equipped me to build my capacity and push my limits to not only do better for myself, but also be a positive role model to those around me.
