Business of Helping Others
One might think earning Associate degrees in business, accounting, liberal arts and science — along with entrepreneurship and staff accountant certificates — would keep Shawn Spoon busy at SMC. But he also carved out time to earn his real estate, mortgage and insurance licenses. He’s already applying these credentials and his SMC education to serving as a real estate agent and insurance broker.
Shawn’s passion for real estate developed because, he says, “I’ve always wanted to own a home.” Meanwhile, he became interested in insurance because of his desire to provide people with a sense of security.
A few years ago, Shawn experienced homelessness and felt no security himself. He took one SMC course a semester while working hourly jobs to survive. “I was dealing with a lot of mental health issues, like sadness and fear, and couldn’t focus,” Shawn recalls. Resolving to change his life, he quickly made up for lost time and even aided others with their studies.
Shawn plans to keep building his real estate and insurance enterprises as he transfers to California State University, Fullerton. He had his pick of programs, having been accepted into three out of the four programs to which he applied — and being waitlisted by the fourth.
“I never thought I would be able to go to a university, so I’m very grateful to SMC,” Shawn says. “It changed my life by giving me structure, discipline and a solid foundation on which I can build my businesses.”