Irene Elsa Jayan

Dear fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, proud parents and cherished friends, as I stand before you today, on the threshold of this momentous occasion, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and awe. My journey at UT Dallas has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am deeply honored to share a small glimpse of it with you. Among the sea of faces before me, there are stories of triumph, of overcoming obstacles and of seizing opportunities.

A few months before starting school here at UT Dallas, I found myself embarking on a journey unlike any other — a journey that would lead me to a new country, a new culture, and a new beginning. Leaving behind the familiarity of my homeland, I ventured into the unknown, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of my dreams.

Although we had been granted the opportunity to immigrate, we knew as a family the limitations of opportunity. Moving meant both my parents, the sole income earners of the family, would have to quit their jobs to make it a reality. After many sleepless nights of exploring the practicality of the decision, our bags were finally packed for the journey. When I thought my path to my career would finally be secure upon my arrival in the United States, we were met with a world-shaking pandemic just weeks after our move. The inability to find a job and the growing inflation took economic and mental tolls. Often, I would wonder if I had jeopardized our future and if I would be able to make it worth it. Instead of letting the weight of the sacrifices push me down, I used them as crutches to move me forward.

Sometimes the one pivotal decision of your life, that you believe will change everything for the better, turns out to be the first step in a series of hardships. However, these challenges make the journey and the destination so much more meaningful.

I decided I would always find ways for me to stay employed throughout my academic career to alleviate the financial burden. I made it a priority to show up and give my best.

I came to realize the profound privilege bestowed upon me — the privilege to immigrate, to pursue education and to propel myself toward success. I realized that this privilege isn’t just about me; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the boundless potential within each of us. As I stride forward on my path, I do so not just for myself, but to illuminate the way for those who share a similar journey — a journey of resilience, determination and of inspiration.

Arriving at UT Dallas, I was greeted not with trepidation or uncertainty, but with open arms and boundless opportunities. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew that I had found more than just a school — I had found a home. UT Dallas welcomed me with warmth and hospitality, embracing me as a valued member of its diverse community. But perhaps what struck me most about UT Dallas was the sense of camaraderie and support that permeated every aspect of campus life. Whether it was the friendships forged in late-night study sessions or the mentorship offered by faculty and staff, I was constantly reminded that I was not alone — that I had a community standing beside me, cheering me on every step of the way. “Anxiety, Burnout and Confusion” seem to be the alphabet that describe the journey of a pre-dental student. However, through guidance and education given to me in the healthcare studies program, I found a solid foundation for my future as a health care professional, which changed the alphabet of my journey to “Aspiration, Belonging and Certainty.”

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates today, let us also take a moment to recognize the countless sacrifices made by their families, friends and loved ones who have stood by their side every step of the way. Behind each degree conferred today lies a story of unwavering support, unconditional love and boundless encouragement — a story of triumph that belongs not only to the graduates themselves, but also to those who have cheered them on from the sidelines.

As we stand on the brink of this new chapter in our lives, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. Though the road may be long and challenging, I am confident that we, the graduates of UT Dallas, are more than prepared to face whatever the future may hold.

So, to my fellow graduates, I say: let us go forth from this place with heads held high and hearts full of hope. Let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with courage and conviction, knowing that we carry with us the spirit of UT Dallas wherever we go.

Congratulations, my friends, on this incredible achievement! May your futures be bright, your dreams be bold and your hearts be forever filled with the memories of our time together at UT Dallas.

Thank you, and may we continue to shine brightly as proud alumni of this remarkable institution.

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Irene Elsa Jayan is graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare studies on the pre-dental track. In her four years here, she has served as the secretary and public chair for the Global Brigades UTD Chapter, as a peer health educator for the UTD Student Wellness Center and as a campus leader for the Peers Against Tobacco initiative. She also represented UT Dallas at the national Eliminate Tobacco Use Summit and is a summer Health Professions Education Program Scholar. Irene will be starting her dental journey at the UTHealth School of Dentistry in fall 2024.