Silversword Spotlight

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

My education at Chaminade University of Honolulu played a significant role in my professional success, particularly in building my confidence and expertise in higher education. Entering the program, I felt some initial nervousness about the rigor of a master-level program. However, the supportive mentorship I received, coupled with assignments that were clearly aligned with the practical needs of developing my teaching pedagogy, quickly alleviated those concerns. These experiences not only enhanced my skills but also instilled in me a deeper understanding of effective teaching practices.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

Two experiences from my time at Chaminade stand out as particularly impactful. First, my Special Education courses with Dr. Smith provided an invaluable bridge between theory and practice. Through activities like developing BSPs and role-playing IEP meetings, I was able to refine my skills under her expert guidance. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; she even visited my class in ‘Aiea, creating a memorable experience for my students. Second, EDUC 643 with Kumu Keahi challenged me to rethink my approach to teaching English. This synchronous course prompted a deep reflection on my role as an indigenous educator and the importance of creating culturally relevant learning spaces for my Kanaka and Pacific Islander students. Both of these experiences, in different ways, significantly shaped my pedagogical approach and strengthened my commitment to culturally responsive teaching.

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

Despite my time at Chaminade being primarily online, I developed a strong sense of connection to the school and its community. This experience demonstrated the power of intentional design in fostering meaningful relationships, even in a virtual environment. It has broadened my perspective on what’s possible in online education and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of community in learning. I feel empowered to continue my education and professional development, knowing I have a supportive network and ongoing opportunities for growth.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Graduating from Chaminade opened doors to opportunities I didn’t foresee. The education I received provided a solid foundation that has allowed me to grow quickly in my career. I’ve focused my professional development in two key areas: curriculum development and leadership. On a daily basis, I’m involved in making decisions about curriculum, and I’ve also taken on leadership responsibilities within my school. This has required me to deepen my understanding of educational leadership principles and refine my decision-making skills. Furthermore, the connections I made through Chaminade have continued to be a valuable resource, expanding my professional network and providing ongoing support and mentorship.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My education in Instructional Leadership has profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth, leading to achievements I hadn’t initially imagined. The focus on responsive curriculum development provided a strong foundation for my work as an inclusion teacher in social studies and math. This experience then led me to become an Academic Coach, where I had the opportunity to mentor and influence other teachers’ curriculum design. Now, as a school principal, I have a broader platform to impact student learning, teacher pedagogy, and professional development. My confidence in designing relevant and challenging curriculum for all students has grown exponentially through these experiences.

Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and connections I’ve gained through Chaminade University of Honolulu. I’m proud to be a Silversword and believe my experiences there have prepared me well for this next step in my career.

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.

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

My education played a pivotal role in shaping my professional success by equipping me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. The academic environment fostered my ability to adapt to new challenges, which has been essential in my roles as a Project Manager, Instructional Designer, and in leadership positions like my current role as a Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines. Through my education, I also developed a deep understanding of instructional design principles, which has been critical to creating engaging, learner-centered programs in both corporate and non-profit settings.
Additionally, the exposure to diverse subjects and collaborative projects during my education enhanced my communication and teamwork skills, preparing me to work effectively across industries. These competencies, combined with a continuous drive for learning, have allowed me to excel in complex, fast-paced environments, from designing training programs to leading teams in dynamic corporate settings like Hawaiian Airlines.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

One of the most impactful experiences during my time pursuing my Master of Business was my involvement with the Hogan Entrepreneurs program. This program not only pushed me academically but also helped me develop a mindset of innovation and resilience, which has been invaluable throughout my career.
Working closely with the faculty involved in this program, I had the privilege of engaging in one-on-one discussions with some truly exceptional professors and mentors. These interactions went beyond the classroom, where faculty would challenge my thinking, encourage new ideas, and offer invaluable guidance on how to apply business concepts in real-world situations. Their personalized feedback and encouragement helped me build the confidence to take on leadership roles in my career, from managing complex projects to leading training initiatives.
The combination of the structured learning in the Hogan Entrepreneurs program and the personalized mentorship from faculty had a profound impact on my professional journey. It not only honed my entrepreneurial mindset but also reinforced the importance of strong leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning—principles I carry with me to this day.

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

My education profoundly shaped both my professional perspective and personal growth by broadening my understanding of leadership, innovation, and adaptability. The diverse experiences I encountered, particularly through the Hogan Entrepreneurs program during my Master of Business, pushed me to think critically about solving real-world problems and taught me the value of collaboration and resilience.
Working closely with exceptional faculty members in one-on-one settings played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to leadership. These interactions fostered not only a deeper understanding of business principles but also a strong sense of accountability and empathy—traits that have been integral in my roles as a Training Manager, Project Manager, and Instructional Designer.
On a personal level, the program instilled a growth mindset, encouraging me to continuously seek improvement and new opportunities for learning. This mindset has been a key factor in my success across various industries, from corporate training at Hawaiian Airlines to managing complex instructional design projects at Travelers Insurance. My education provided me with a well-rounded perspective, allowing me to blend creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking in everything I do.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Since graduating, I have been committed to continuously investing in my professional development through a combination of formal learning, hands-on experience, and personal growth. I actively use mobile and web technologies, alongside learning platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn Learning, to stay current with the latest industry trends and tools. Whether it’s mastering new instructional design methods or enhancing my leadership skills, these platforms provide valuable insights that I regularly apply in my role as a Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines.
Beyond technical skills, I have also focused on expanding my spiritual and spatial awareness. Self-improvement podcasts have become a key part of my personal development, helping me cultivate mindfulness and emotional intelligence—qualities that enhance my ability to lead and collaborate more effectively at work. Additionally, by deep diving into the work I do, I’ve developed a stronger passion for creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences for others. This continuous learning approach keeps me motivated and allows me to adapt to new challenges with confidence.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My education has significantly influenced both my personal goals and achievements by encouraging me to think outside the box and equipping me with the leadership skills necessary to excel. The small, close-knit campus community allowed me to form meaningful connections and early networking opportunities within Hawaii. These relationships helped me build a foundation of trust and collaboration that has been invaluable in my career, particularly in leadership roles like my current position as Training Manager at Hawaiian Airlines.
Being mentored by outstanding professionals on campus not only enhanced my leadership abilities but also boosted my confidence to pursue opportunities I might not have considered before. The skills and mindset I developed gave me the courage to apply for challenging roles across diverse industries, from instructional design at HMSA to managing training programs at a major airline. My education empowered me to set ambitious goals and provided the tools to achieve them, both professionally and personally.

How did your education here contribute to your professional success?

The achievement of my professional goals is a direct result of my education from Chaminade University. The Forensic Sciences program allowed me to explore the many opportunities the field had to offer, reaffirmed my passion for investigation, and equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. The program allowed me the unique opportunity to intern at the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office where I would later join their team of  investigators in 2019. I am proud to be born, raised, and educated in Hawaii and I am now honored to represent and serve our local community. 

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?

The summers in between each academic year were some of my most valuable experiences and cherished memories.  My professors always encouraged participation in extracurricular activities. Every summer I had the opportunity to participate in different summer research programs through Chaminade University, University of Hawaii, and Purdue University. As a result I gained research experience in marine biology, microbiology, and forensic sciences. While the research was an invaluable experience, I fondly remember these summers as times  I was snorkeling with turtles in Kaneohe Bay, experiencing a summer in Indiana,  and eating deep dish pizza in Chicago. These summer opportunities culminated into research presentations that allowed me to travel and present at several local and national conferences. My favorite conference was the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference in Las Vegas during my senior year. 

How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?

The Marianist characteristic to educate for adaptation and change is a philosophy that has guided me through my college education and beyond. This value has given me the courage to accept every success and disappointment with an open heart and open mind. Accepting every opportunity to learn and grow set me on a path to achieve my goals and find fulfillment in every aspect of life.  

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Since graduating I have applied my education to my career as a medicolegal death investigator for the City and County of Honolulu. I continue to participate in research with Chaminade University that started while I was an undergraduate and have since been an author on my first professional publication.  I am also pursuing certification as a diplomate with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. 

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

Studying Forensic Sciences at Chaminade University was the best decision of my life. At 17 years old, pursuing what I thought was a non-conventional degree of study was intimidating. My education at Chaminade brought what was once a dream into reality and I am forever grateful to the university that brought that dream to fruition. In my experience I learned that every dream is worth pursuing and the potential for success outweighs any fear of failure. I was fortunate enough to find the right university that connected me to mentors who would support my ambitions and who continue to support me on my personal and professional journey.