“The theme of my commencement speech was about education and how we can still learn informally outside of the classroom and how we never really stop learning just because we're pau with school.”

Hometown

Waipahu, HI

Department

Learning Design and Technology

Watch Jessica’s graduation speech here: https://go.hawaii.edu/8T5

You were selected to speak at the 2025 UH Mānoa Commencement. What was the theme of your speech?
The theme of my commencement speech was about education and how we can still learn informally outside of the classroom and how we never really stop learning just because we’re pau with school (informal learning was a theme in my dissertation as well). Using a metaphor of hiking Koko Head, I compared the ups and downs of academic life to a steep climb, highlighting the resilience, determination, and growth that is gained to reach the peak. I emphasized the value of lifelong learning and encouraged the graduates to consider pursuing a higher degree as well. I expressed gratitude to my mentors, the LTEC department, COE, UHM, and to Hawaiʻi itself for helping me become the person I am today.

Where do you work?
I am currently finishing up my graduate assistantship with LTEC that I’ve had for three and a half years. I’ve also been a lecturer for LTEC for the past two years. Previously, I taught Speech 151 to early college students at Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo.

How did you become interested in the field of education? LTEC?
My background is in communications, which I have a bachelorʻs and masterʻs degree in. It was while I was earning my masterʻs that I started getting interested in pedagogy and teaching. Thatʻs when I started to look further into the education field. LTEC was probably the closest that I could earn a degree in with respect to my communications background.

How has the COE program impacted or benefitted your career path?
The COE has given me tons of opportunities to conduct research, share research at different conferences, and teach which is helping with my CV now that I’ve graduated and I’m re-entering the workforce full time.

What are your post-graduation plans?
Some much needed rest! But I will also continue to lecture for LTEC teaching two courses in the Fall Semester.

Anything else you would like to include?
I’d like to thank LTEC and the COE for giving me opportunities to grow as a scholar and an educator during my time in the PhD program.