“I would like to raise awareness of what is available through the UH system in rural areas on the neighbor islands. My hope is that others in my community will see that higher education is attainable, to think, ‘If she can do it, so can I!’"

Hometown

Kailua-Kona

Department

Learning Design and Technology

Related Degrees

• MEd, Learning Design & Technology: OTEC
• Graduate Certificate, Online Learning & Teaching (COLT)

What is your current position?

I am the Director of Education at Jack’s Diving Locker in Kona where I have worked for 25 years. I am responsible for the education curriculum, which includes a well-known junior program. I have also been a member of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce for three years and was recently appointed chair of its education committee.

Briefly describe your road to college.

In 2007, I took my first online course from UH Hilo to learn more about educating young people. Success in that course inspired me to apply for an online psychology program. While raising three children and working, I was able to participate in the program through distance learning and graduate from UH Hilo with highest honors in 2011.

How did you choose a graduate program?

I did some research and chose a master’s program in the College of Education’s Learning Design and Technology department that focused on instructional design and modern technological tools for delivery. Although it was at UH Mānoa, I could still participate through online courses. My culminating project, Manta Naturalist Course for Manta Tour Guides and Operators, is actually being offered as a hybrid online and face-to-face course at Hawaiʻi Community College.

What do you hope to inspire by sharing your education experience?

I would like to raise awareness of what is available through the UH system in rural areas on the neighbor islands. My hope is that others in my community will see that higher education is attainable, to think, “If she can do it, so can I!” I think the new Hawaiʻi Community College Pālamanui campus is going to inspire people to see what’s happening in the UH system.

What are you future plans?

I plan to develop and implement other naturalist courses with topics such as dolphins, sharks, and Hawaiian endemic marine species. I want to provide education to those working in the marine tourism industry, so these guides and operators can elevate the experience of their guests while promoting resource conservation.