Hawaii Technology Institute: Alumni Success Stories

David Lewis - Logistics Administrator
Office Technology grad, 2007
Hawaii Technology Institute has helped me to attain the knowledge and skills I need to acquire gainful employment. Moreover, HTI has also provided me with the life skills and values that help me with everyday life. The school has certainly made a big difference in my life and there have been so many positive changes as a result of my being at HTI.

I now feel very responsible and am able to meet my financial obligations to my family. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking to make some major life/career changes. Being a student at HTI allowed me to break free of past addictions and behavior and gave me the motivation to strive to be a positive influence to people in my life.

Gloria Gaines - Certified Medical Assistant
Spring 2008
The Hawaii Technology Institute (HTI) has allowed me to explore the medical patient care industry and find out whether or not I could make a career as a medical assistant. As a Registered Medical Assistant working at the Waikiki Health Center, I now realize that HTI has, indeed, provided me with the basic structure and internal drive to pursue a higher level of patient care, as either a respiratory therapist or registered nurse.

Beverly Derit - Medical Receptionist
Offie Technology Management grad, 2006
Medical Assistant Diploma Program current, 2008
First of all I would like to share what HTI “Medical Assisting Program” has done for me that changed my life. When I first enrolled into the MA program I was skeptical as to how this program could offer me better pay, better career and basically anything better then my current position.

Well on my first day of class the staff was very welcoming and honest when they said “you are in this for the long run, it won’t be easy but if you come everyday, work hard at what you want to gain from this program, your life will change”. As time went on and as projects came and went, I noticed a change in the way I approached any situation whether in school, home or daily life. How ever big the project was I could handle it, in big part to the lessons of the rule of ethics learned via the Medical Assisting Program.

Although I didn’t complete the first time around, I decided to try again! Again, life stood in the way of my vision of what I wanted to accomplish. However, I never forgot the ethics. As I now practice what I had been taught at my current job, I am impressed and so are those I work with. They encourage that I pursue my MA career, standing beside me one hundred percent. At this point I knew where I could go to do so.

HTI, not only the program but also the people behind the program, offered me encouragement and still do to this day. I am proud to be back at HTI. I absolutely love my job, helping people to better health and having knowledge about the legal aspects of medical office work.

Michelle Jenks - Patient Advocate
Office Systems Operations grad, 1996
Hawaii Computer Training Center (HCTC), now known as Hawaii Technology Institute (HTI), changed my life. I gained a new sense of direction, learned new skills that gave me a competitive edge in my career and gained a deeper understanding about Ohana (Family).

In 1996 I had given birth to my son. Panicked, I started searching for a better paying job. I needed to be financially secure to support my new family. I realized that in order for me to have a competitive edge in a career, I needed to upgrade my skills. I took a step forward by attending HTI. I acquired skills that enabled me to become an independent learner. I now can teach myself new programs because I’m not afraid to push buttons anymore.

All the instructors at HTI really believed in helping the students. It was inspiring to see how much they cared for each of us; they laughed when we laughed, cried when we cried, and did everything within their power to help us succeed. All the students grew into one big Ohana.

I especially enjoyed all the food, stories, and laughter we shared. Seeing all the Hawaiian Pride inspired me to take extra initiatives. Such as waking up after two hours of sleep to catch the bus and attend school regularly. To have this Hawaiian bond, this common goal to succeed, this opportunity to share and learn from each other, made this experience memorable.

I am currently working as a Patient Advocate. All the skills I’ve learned helped me acquire and maintain my position. I was blessed to attend HTI and always recommend everyone I meet to attend as well. I am so excited that HTI Curriculum has grown to include a variety of career paths. I know that if I ever feel like a career change I can always come home, home to HTI.

Darrah Lee - Fiscal Specialist III
Office Systems Operations grad, 1995
In January 1995, I entered Hawaii Computer Training Center, now known as Hawaii Technology Institute. I graduated in April 1995 in Office Systems Operations. With the knowledge and skills learned, along with the job placement assistance received, I was able to gain employment with ALU LIKE, Inc.’s Central Administrative Office as a Receptionist/Clerk Typist. A year later I was given the opportunity to move into the Fiscal Office as an Accounts Payables Clerk. It has been over 10 years since I first began my career with ALU LIKE, Inc. Currently I am with ALU LIKE, Inc. as a Specialist III in the Fiscal Department and am on my way to earning my AA in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Lehua Rowland – Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician grad, 2007
“I came to HTI because I was looking for a career change. I was interested in medicine and I wanted to help people. But as a single mother of three, I never thought I would have the money or support to be able to go back to school. With financial aid from OHA I was able to enroll at HTI. My instructors were awesome and very knowledgeable. Anytime I needed help they were always there for me. Toward the completion of my program, HTI helped with my resume, interviewing skills and helped me find a job. I currently work as a pharmacy technician at Times Supermarket. If it wasn’t for HTI, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Melissa Kolo – Medical Assistant
Office Technology Management & Medical Assistant grad, 2006
“When I first came to HTI I was computer illiterate. Over the next 14 weeks at school I was able to study, learn and grow in the world of technology. I am now a certified Microsoft Office Specialist in Word, Excel, and Access and I no longer fear the computer! After completing the Office Technology Management program, I enrolled in HTI’s Medical Assistant program. HTI helped me get an internship at Waikiki Health Center and that’s where I work today. I am grateful for HTI’s support and wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

John Priestley – IT/Administrator
Office Technology Management grad, 2007
“Attending HTI was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I was a truck driver for more than 30 years when a medical condition forced me to stop driving and look for a new job. I knew I needed to learn how to do something else to support my wife and me. The first day I walked in to HTI, the warmth and aloha that greeted me was overwhelming. The welcome was so genuine; it was like I belonged there. HTI puts the quality of education for every student above all else. They even made the financial aid process easy and straightforward. Attending HTI has opened a lot of doors for me and I owe the entire staff more than I could ever pay them back.”

Daphne Kahawai-Tom – State Improvement Grant Coordinator
Current Medical Assistant student & Office Technology Management grad, 2006
“When I came to HTI, I had been trying to finish my degree in Healthcare Administration but I was unable to get or grant or scholarship for college. A friend told me about HTI and that the school offered a Medical Assistant Diploma program. The program included office technology management classes that helped me get certified in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Developing those skills alone opened more doors for me and helped me land my current job at The Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii. I am currently in the last semester of the MED program and I plan to make use of it on the Leeward Coast. Because I am part Hawaiian, I was able to attend HTI free of charge. Thank you, HTI, for all the mana’o kokua, malama, ho’iho’i that I received as a student here.”

Puamana Crabbe – Hawaiian Studies Teacher
Office Technology Management grad, 2005
“From the moment I walked in to HTI, I knew it was a special place. My future was in the hands of loving and professional instructors who made every effort to teach technical knowledge as well as life skills. Their enthusiasm inspired me to learn as much as possible and helped me achieve my dream of computer efficiency. Currently, I am pursuing my MBA in Business Management at the University of Phoenix.”

Doreen Spencer
Information Technology Management grad, 2003
"Aloha. I’m a proud 2003 graduate of Hawaii Technology Institute. HTI provided me the computer skills needed to pursue a career change. It was the best thing I could ever do for myself for long term success. In my educational background, I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications (1993) with minimal computer knowledge. After 14 years of retail and restaurant management, I was ready for a career change. One hurdle I encountered was my lack of computer skills. HTI helped me solve this problem.

During my studies at HTI, I’ve learned everything in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook Express. I also had the greatest opportunity to brush up on business communications skills. A career portfolio was created during my studies which helped with preparing for interviews. The learning process was intense but personal interaction with the staff and students made it easier. The small class environment allowed me to study at my own pace. I took advantage of everything and became who I am today.

One of the most rewarding and valuable experience was the two weeks of internship. This was my opportunity to use my computer knowledge in the real world. Networking was very helpful, too. I had a chance to meet many new faces and learn their business through work experience. Surprisingly, I was able to teach them a few things too.

Another service provided by HTI was assisting me in finding financial help. Through their guidance, I was able to apply for financial assistance from The Kamehameha Schools. After two weeks of patiently waiting with eagerness, everything finally fell into place. My tuition and books were 100% paid for through scholarships. I was able to concentrate on my studies without worrying about tuition. It was very exciting for me and, most importantly, an honor to attend Hawaii Technology Institute.

After 15 weeks of hard work and dedication, HTI Human Resources helped me find a really interesting career. In less than two weeks, I obtained a position at Hawaii Pacific Health as an Administrative Assistant for the Information Systems Dept. I was very pleased at how easy it was to transition in today’s business world because of my HTI computer skills. After several months at work my responsibilities increased, I was actually doing the work of two people. It was a challenge, but I liked it. Time management and multi-tasking are very important skills in today’s businesses world and I was able to apply these skills. Today, I am happy to say I’m continuously growing with HPH and now support three large departments. But, best of all, I directly support the CIO of Hawaii Pacific Health. It is hard work at times, but with the skills gained at HTI, I confidently meet all the challenges that are presented to me. I can’t thank enough the staff of HTI for all the support and training I received to embark on my new and successful career. From the computer skills training, financial aid assistance, and job placement services HTI provided me all the help I needed to succeed."

Teri Savaiinaea
Information Technology Management grad, 2005
"My name is Teri Savaiinaea and I reside in Waianae, HI. I am a proud former student of Hawaii Technology Institute. At HTI I learned not just about computers but the fellowship, my Hawaiian culture and the teachers and staff who were very helpful and took the time to make sure we were all helping one another. I thank Papa Mika for all his love, compassion and wisdom that he bestowed upon all of us. Thanks to HTI and the knowledge I received there. It made a differnece in my life and the jobs I was so blessed with because of the knowledge, skills and hands on training."

Jacquelyn A. Smith
Office Systems Operations grad, 1994
"In 1994 I attended ALU LIKE, Inc., Hawaii Computer Training Center (HCTC) and graduated on December 17, 1994 in Office Systems Operations.

Hawaii Computer Training Center's name was changed to Hawaii Technology Institute and they were starting a program called Women in Technology, which was later changed to Na Wahine O Ke Au Hou (Women of the New Era). Through this program I was able to receive Official Certifications,Microsoft Office User Specialist in Microsoft Office XP Word and Excel. The classes were very informative and of course, awesome instructors. I completed the course in 2002.

In June 2003 I moved to Wailuku, Maui and attended Maui Community College. I graduated from the Elder Care Program then did a year of pre-nursing. I changed my major and got into Business Technology in the health field. I graduated in May 2006 with my AAS in Health Unit Coordinator and Medical Office Specialty under the umbrella of Business Technology. I also received an Outstanding Student Award for Outstanding and Excellent Achievement in Business Technology.

I am now going for my BA in Social Science (BASS) through UHWO. I am in my 60's and I always say it's NEVER TOO LATE to learn. I have had to drop out during two (2) different semesters due to family and self emergencies,but continue to persevere. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER QUIT!!!"

Careers

Alumni Success Stories