Visar Hadri

Good afternoon, esteemed guests, faculty members and my fellow graduates.

Let’s just say that this is not the first time I have delivered a commencement speech. I’ve been delivering one every day for the past two years alone in my room. Now I finally get to make it a reality and share it with you.

Let me start by saying congratulations to all of you. As I stand here before you today, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that each one of us has undertaken to reach this moment. We’ve endured late-night study sessions, conquered challenging exams and navigated through moments of uncertainty. But through it all, we’ve persevered, grown and now stand on the brink of a new chapter in our lives.

This achievement isn’t solely ours; it’s a shared triumph with our friends, family and loved ones who’ve supported us every step of the way. Some of you have your families and loved ones celebrating this moment alongside you. For others, like me, our families are watching the livestream. Whether they are in person or online, I’m confident that our presence here today fills them with pride.

I invite you all to think of your story. Some of you had to travel from the other side of the world, leave your friends and loved ones behind to pursue your dreams. Some of you might be the first ones in your family to graduate, or this is the first time you are living on your own. 

Each one of us has a unique story of triumphs and setbacks that have shaped us into the individuals we are today. As I’ve been given this incredible opportunity to speak in front of you, I would like to share a bit of my story. I come from a country that many of you don’t know. It’s called Kosovo. It’s a very beautiful, small country located in Europe, and the reason why many of you don’t know about it is that it was put on the map only 16 years ago. I grew up in a place where everyone felt unseen, opportunities were limited and most people believe that moments like this only happen in movies. Today, as I stand before you, I hope to serve as a testament not only to the people of my country, but to everyone who thinks that moments like this are impossible to be experienced. If I could leave you with a piece of advice, it would be to encourage you to never let your circumstances define who you are. Wherever you are from, in whatever circumstance you are in right now, your dreams are valid, and you should never stop chasing them. 

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what The University of Texas at Dallas has given us. For many of us, UTD has been more than just an institution of higher learning; it has been our home, our sanctuary and the birthplace of countless memories.

Here, we didn’t just acquire knowledge; we cultivated wisdom. We didn’t just attend classes; we engaged in transformative experiences that shaped our perspectives and broadened our horizons. The professors who challenged us, the classmates who inspired us, and the campus that embraced us all played pivotal roles in our growth and development.

As we celebrate today, let’s remember that tomorrow is uncertain. Rejections may come, but they’re not roadblocks; they’re redirections. They push us closer to where we belong. Our journey won’t be smooth, but it’s these challenges that shape us. Remember, when one door closes, another one opens.

So, let’s carry forward what we have learned, cherish memories, and stay focused on our dreams. Embrace rejections as steppingstones to growth. I would like to finish my speech with my favorite saying from my favorite book, The Alchemist: “It is the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” As we step into the vast unknown, let us remember these words. Let them be a guiding light in times of doubt, a source of inspiration when faced with challenges, and a reminder of the infinite possibilities that await us.

Class of 2024, let’s march forward with determination, courage and optimism. Our journeys have just begun, and I believe we will change the world. Thank you, and congratulations once again!

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Visar Hadri came from Kosovo as a Fulbright Scholar and is graduating with a master’s in information technology and management (ITM). During his time at UT Dallas, he co-founded the Product League Club, hosted a product management podcast and organized a hackathon in partnership with CBRE. He was awarded the Distinguished Innovator Award from the ITM program for his commitments to creating innovative services that have benefited a wider audience. Additionally, he was a finalist for an OWLIE award for Most Likely to be a C-Suite Executive. After graduation, he plans to return to Europe to pursue his career in building digital products.