For Jared Kāʻeo McCann, success is also about the journey of overcoming failure. As one of two student speakers at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu’s 2024 Mid-Year Commencement on December 14, McCann hopes to inspire graduates by sharing his own story of perseverance.
McCann has earned his second degree from UH West Oʻahu—a bachelor of science in cybersecurity with a concentration in cyber operations.
“I’ve struggled with so many different things since I started school in 2019, and I’ve wanted to quit and just give up more times than I could possibly count,” said McCann, who worked through imposter syndrome to rediscover his motivation. “To be able to look back at everything I’ve been through and see how far I’ve come, and to really have something to show for all of it, it truly feels special.
The 23-year-old Kapolei resident transferred to UH West Oʻahu from UH Mānoa in 2022. In spring 2024, McCann earned his first degree from UH West Oʻahu—a bachelor of applied science with a concentration in information security and assurance. He got a job at Hawaiian Electric, where he works as an information assurance analyst.
“Most often, we are the only ones who ever get to see or know our own failures,” said McCann, 23, a Kapolei resident. “Everyone around us just sees our successes. Learn to embrace the praise and don’t dwell on how long it took to get here or how many mistakes you made. Be proud of your achievements.”
- Read more about Travis Antonacci, who was also selected to be a student commencement speaker.
Demonstrating ‘exceptional leadership’
Throughout his two years at UH West Oʻahu, McCann worked for the IT Help Desk and was a member of the Health, Transportation, and Technology Committee. He served as assistant director of the Cyber Security Coordination Center in spring 2024, and assistant director of the Cyber Security Research Lab in fall 2024—both on-campus internship programs.
“Jared consistently demonstrates the highest level of determination and achievement in his academic courses and research,” said J. Burrell, an associate professor of information and computer science. “He also demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and empower other students, which are representative of a next-generation cybersecurity professional.”
McCann intends to go to graduate school while continuing to work in cybersecurity.
He said, “In the long term, I would like to come back to UH West Oʻahu to teach as a lecturer to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with the next generation.”
For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
