{"id":207429,"date":"2024-12-09T08:00:36","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T18:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=207429"},"modified":"2024-12-10T14:31:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T00:31:13","slug":"uh-west-oahu-student-speaker-jared-mccann","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/12\/09\/uh-west-oahu-student-speaker-jared-mccann\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> West O\u02bbahu student speaker embraces growth through challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Jared Kāʻeo<\/span> McCann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Jared Kāʻeo<\/span> McCann, success is also about the journey of overcoming failure. As one of two student speakers at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>–West Oʻahu\u2019s<\/span> 2024 Mid-Year Commencement<\/a> on December 14, McCann hopes to inspire graduates by sharing his own story of perseverance.<\/p>\n

McCann has earned his second degree from UH<\/abbr> West Oʻahu<\/span><\/a>—a bachelor of science in cybersecurity with a concentration in cyber operations.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019ve struggled with so many different things since I started school in 2019, and I\u2019ve 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\u2019ve been through and see how far I\u2019ve come, and to really have something to show for all of it, it truly feels special.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old Kapolei resident transferred to UH<\/abbr> West Oʻahu<\/span> from UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa in 2022. In spring 2024, McCann earned his first degree from UH<\/abbr> West Oʻahu<\/span>—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.<\/p>\n

“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\u2019t dwell on how long it took to get here or how many mistakes you made. Be proud of your achievements.”<\/p>\n