Chan Saechao is a Public Safety Officer for the University of the Pacific and a student in the Organizational Behavior Evening Degree Program who will be graduating in May 2013.
CPCE: What attracted you to the Organizational Behavior Evening Degree program (ORGB)?
Chan: I was attracted to how many units I was able to accumulate in such a short time. As a full-time employee, I thought it would take me at least 4-5years just to finish my degree by taking a few classes each semester. I am very fortunate to be in the ORGB evening degree program. It's only a 20-month program and I am glad to be more than halfway through. I am excited to graduate in May 2013.
CPCE: What was your biggest challenge or surprise?
Chan: Like every evening program student here at the Pacific, my biggest challenge is time management. It was very difficult in the beginning to juggle between my full-time job, family life, and being a full-time student all at the same time. It took some time to adjust, but I think I have a good handle on it now. The program understands the students' needs and only schedule classes for two nights out of the week, which I found to fit well with my already busy schedule.
CPCE: What did you like about the program?
Chan: I love the fact that I have the ability to rack up college units in the same rate as traditional students in any college institution.
CPCE: What course and/or instructor interested you the most and why?
Chan: I cannot tell you one instructor is better or more influential than another because they are all great. I am greatly influence by each and every one of them in different special ways. The ORGB instructors are there to teach and most importantly they want you to succeed.
CPCE: Was your family and job (your supervisor) supportive in this process? If so, how?
Chan: I am very fortunate to have everyone in my life. My wife is the greatest supporter/ influence in making my dreams a success. She pushed me when I felt like giving up and praised me when I earned my A's. My supervisor at work, Sgt. Bernardino, worked with me every way that he could to make my education as smooth as possible. He gave me time off when I needed to do school work and authorized time off early from work when I had classes.
CPCE: How has the ORGB program/degree helped you in your current job?
Chan: I learned to become a better person and a leader in my organization. I learned not to be a selfish person, but a selfless leader. I've also learned that in order to become a leader one must put others first and look in the best interest of the organization before ones' self.
CPCE: What is your career/professional goal and how has the ORGB program assisted you in this process?
Chan: Since my education I have become a selfless leader and individual. I have learned to do things to improve my organization without thinking about how it will benefit me, but the organization in itself. Prior to being in the program, I've never thought about interviewing for a higher position this early in my career. I work as a police officer, and these few months of being in the program, it has given me the confidence to interview for a sergeant position. Unfortunately, I did not get the position but it's a great start to future success.
CPCE: What has been the reaction to you being on the billboard?
Chan: In the line of work that I do I get many jokes thrown at me from "Mr. Hollywood to GQ" but I know it's all out of love. The best reaction was from a person whom I was going to arrest early last year. As I was attempting to put handcuffs on this individual, he turned to me and asked if I was the cop on the billboard, and when I said, "yes", he replied that at least he is being arrested by a "famous cop". That made my day. The person was more concern about who I was rather than him going to jail.
CPCE: What advice would you pass along to those individuals who are interested in participating in the ORGB program?
Chan: Nothing can and should hold you back from achieving your goals. You are the ultimate captain of your ship. Don't let your fears or anyone hold you back. My thing is everything happens for a reason. If you haven't finished what you started, then you are meant to finish here at Pacific's ORGB program because the program applies to every field you want, and it teaches you to be a great leader.