Jose Santiago, a Junior Network Engineer, and Karl Lacanilao, a Junior Information Security Analyst, were among the workshop participants representing UOG.

Santiago was a co-instructor in the Routing Infrastructure and Operational Security workshop with lead instructors from the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), one of whom was Internet Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Philip Smith. 

Karl Lacanilao and UOG alumnus, Randy Dahilig, joined the Campus Network Design & Operations workshop. Lacanilao was a fellowship awardee for the workshop, and Dahilig was invited as a co-instructor for the course alongside other esteemed members from the NSRC.

For more than 25 years, the conference has drawn many of the world's best Internet engineers, operators, researchers, service providers, users, and policy communities from over 50 countries to teach, present, and do their own human networking, according to the conference website.

The workshops and conference were held over eleven days from February 20 through March 2.

It consisted of seminars, technical workshops, tutorials, conference sessions, a peering forum, birds-of-a-feather sessions, and other gatherings, all with the goal of spreading and sharing the knowledge required to operate the Internet within the Asia Pacific region.

Here are some takeaways from the two UOG IT employees and Dahilig, who also worked at the UOG IT office.

Jose Santiago: "The willingness to learn, the itch to fix issues, to solve puzzles"

Number of years in the OIT at UOG: 10, started as part of a federal work-study program in 2012.
Year graduated: 2014, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, UOG

Question: How did it feel to represent UOG at this international event?

Santiago: "It was a great honor and privilege to be able to represent UOG and Guam as a whole. Guam's internet presence and growing role as an internet hub in the Asia Pacific is such an important aspect of the connectivity in our region. Having the University at the forefront and being part of that development is inspiring.

Question: What's your advice to students thinking of going into the IT field but are not sure if they will do well?

Santiago: "Technical skills and knowledge can be learned on the job, as technology is ever-growing and the resources to accomplish many tasks are readily available. The willingness to learn, the itch to fix issues, to solve puzzles, and the ability to collaborate well with others are key components to success in IT. These days, technology is part of each one of us, one way or another, we only need not be afraid to reciprocate and be part of technology."

Karl Lacanilao: "Sharing my knowledge with my colleagues"

Number of years in the OIT at UOG: With OIT since 2015, originally starting out as part of a federal work-study program. My natural interest in the field, strong support system, and my curious nature led to where I am now in my career.
Year graduated: 2019, Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, UOG.

Question: How did it feel to represent UOG at this international event?

Lacanilao: I felt proud to represent UOG. I was motivated to be awarded the fellowship in order to learn from industry pioneers and bring that knowledge back to Guam. My OIT family has always taken great care of me since I was just a student. I feel strongly that it is my duty to hone my craft to the best of my ability and use it toward advancing the University. I plan to do that by sharing my knowledge with my colleagues while assisting with improving the University's cybersecurity posture.

Question: What's your advice to students thinking of going into the IT field but not sure if they will do well?

Lacanilao: If you enjoy IT, try it out. Take it from me. I graduated with a Marketing Degree but here I am with a career in Networking and Cybersecurity. Find that passion within you and stay hungry. Treat every day as an opportunity to learn and never be afraid to ask questions. 

Randy Dahilig : "Once you find something you enjoy, specialize in that craft"

Number of years in the OIT at UOG: 5 years
Year graduated: 2014, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, UOG

Question: How did it feel to represent UOG at this international event?

Dahilig: "I did not represent UOG as an employee but at heart. This event introduces the vast connections that make up the internet not just in the public sector, but also in the private sector. The most important aspect of the conference is the social networking you create as well as the awareness you develop as you gain knowledge of the emerging/new network technologies today.

Question: What's your advice to students thinking of going into the IT field but are not sure if they will do well?

Dahilig: Expose yourself to the general sense of IT and once you find something you enjoy, specialize in that craft. Work hard, and work smart. The value you provide to this world will come back to you always and will eventually trickle down to your career aspirations.