How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?
The education I received was monumental and pivotal in being able to start my first business in the nonprofit sector. It gave me the skills and expertise needed to obtain contracts, to provide mental health and substance abuse services, and to grow the business. It also grew my communication and leadership skills that transcend all career paths. Being in the real estate investment industry now, the skills I learned while enrolled in the counseling psychology program are abundantly relevant, especially when it involves people skills—being able to connect and listen to them. At the end of the day, all you have in life are relationships. No matter the career path, relationships come first, and the product or service you offer is a byproduct of those relationships. Counseling psychology taught me how to connect, have empathy, and ultimately help people heal. In real estate, that is what we do. People come with a problem, and we help provide an answer but ultimately, it’s a human connection that allows walls to come down, trust to be built, and the solution achieved.
Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?
I made lifelong friendships. I met my best friend and business partner at Chaminade, Chelsea Torres. Also, I graduated alongside my parents, Michael and Yvonne Haxton. There’s nothing more special than doing life—academics, business and community alongside family and friends.
How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?
It allowed me to grow in self-confidence. I was nurtured by amazing people like Dr. Darren Iwamoto, who gently pushed and challenged me to be the best version of myself. We all have those professors who stick with you, and he is definitely one of them. Sometimes their belief gives you the confidence to believe in yourself.
How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?
Absolutely. I am a huge proponent of education and self-development. I have since attended many seminars, masterminds and mentorships, in addition to personal development through counseling and life coaches. A lot of entrepreneurship is learning and developing, and continually becoming and implementing. The key to success is never giving up and being comfortable being uncomfortable. The way to decrease stress and fear is to continually learn and implement.
How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?
Education has been a part of my development during the majority of my life. I went straight from high school into the Chaminade bachelors’ program, and then directly into the master’s program. I am still learning today through mentorships and courses. It taught me discipline, structure, perseverance and responsibility. Education put me in situations where I was uncomfortable, for example, doing presentations and public speaking, and being able to overcome and push through. All of these are lifelong values that I carry and are actions that are necessary for success in all aspects of life.
