Alumni Spotlight: Haley Patton (Class of 2019)
In this Alumni Spotlight, we feature Haley Patton, a 2019 Waldport High School graduate who has quickly established herself as a Financial Advisor and Licensed Tax Consultant.
From High School to Financial Career
Haley discovered her passion for accounting during her senior year at Waldport High. “The material just clicked,” she recalled. After shadowing a local CPA, she knew public accounting was her path. She earned her Bachelor’s in Accounting from Utah Tech University while simultaneously securing an internship at a public accounting firm that later became a full-time position. “That early hands-on experience helped me excel much quicker than if I had just been learning in the classroom,” she said.
Current Role
Today, Haley balances dual roles as a Financial Advisor and Licensed Tax Consultant. Her work includes creating financial plans, educating clients on wealth-building strategies, and preparing tax returns during tax season. “It’s rewarding to see clients gain clarity about their finances. I enjoy both the problem-solving and the personal connections.”
Advice for Students
Haley offers these insights for current students:
- Start planning early. “Having a plan will make you feel more prepared and confident.”
- Surround yourself with positive influences. “The people around you will shape your habits and mindset.”
- Build financial literacy now. “I hear it all the time: ‘I wish I had started sooner.'”
- Don’t fear failure. “Every mistake is a chance to learn, grow and move forward.”