Shaiba Jhunjhunwala

Thank you, Vice Dean Varghese Jacob, Dean Hasan Pirkul and the Jindal School faculty and staff who are here celebrating with us.

Good morning, fellow graduates of the extraordinary Class of 2024!

Can you believe it? In a little over one hour, we will all be alumni of The University of Texas at Dallas! It seems like long ago that we packed our bags, left our previous lives behind and walked onto this vibrant campus and right into a sea of unfamiliar faces. Each of our hearts were full of hopes and dreams. And now we are on the launchpad of the rest of our lives after an incredible journey to obtain either an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Today, we celebrate not just receiving our diplomas, but the incredible journeys that brought us to this moment. Our academic journeys have taught us resilience, how to push through setbacks and tackle late nights fueled by coffee and determination. We discovered the power of teamwork, how to collaborate with classmates on projects and how to form lifetime friendships. We juggled a demanding curriculum that stretched our minds, all while participating in competitions and case studies. Each undergraduate student graduating today gave 100 hours of community service to organizations close to their hearts. Many students participated and contributed to the success of 75 Jindal School student organizations — all of which we were enthusiastic about. We also applied for and secured internships that provided real-world experiences, and, of course, squeezed in time for those unforgettable social moments with our classmates. Graduates, can you believe that we did all of this, and more?

Our journeys were not always easy. We balanced late-night study sessions with early morning shifts, learned to manage time like absolute ninjas, and most importantly, discovered a strength within ourselves that we might not have known existed. Through it all, The University of Texas at Dallas stood right behind us. The flexibility of the curriculum allowed us to explore diverse interests and chart our own academic paths and futures. Each of us brought a unique background to the classroom. For myself, with a background in finance and consulting, I went through this degree with individuals representing a multitude of backgrounds. This blending enriches all of us and makes the Jindal School special. The unwavering support and knowledge that was given to us by the best faculty in the world made learning enjoyable, challenging and inspiring. Our Jindal School staff members tirelessly provided us with guidance and encouragement every step of the way and were always on the lookout for ways to help us succeed. Can we have a huge round of applause for the Jindal faculty and staff who have made this journey possible? Thank you!

But let us also not forget the unwavering support we received from outside these walls. Please turn toward your family and friends in the audience or to the camera in the back of the room if they are watching this ceremony through the livestream. Wave to them to thank them for all they have done to make our futures possible. I personally would like to thank my father, Mr. Amar Jhunjhunwala, and mother, Mrs. Sujata Jhunjhunwala, for making me who I am and making me believe in limitless possibilities. I would also like to thank my husband, Mr. Neeraj Agarwala, for being my partner and supporting me every step of the way. For all the graduates, the endless love, encouragement and calls, texts and late-night care packages from our families fueled our determination and kept us going even on the most challenging days. Thank you for believing in us; for celebrating our successes, and for being our biggest cheerleaders every step of the way.

And now, as we embark on the next chapter, we do not embark alone. We join a vast and vibrant network of over 140,000 UT Dallas alumni. This network represents a powerful resource, a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being a UT Dallas graduate. This network is not just a number; it’s a potential mentor, a future colleague or simply someone who shares that special UT Dallas connection. Do not hesitate to reach out, because you never know who might become an invaluable part of your journey. And do not forget — be that example for someone else who comes behind you at UT Dallas.

The world awaits, Class of 2024. We are a generation of innovators, problem-solvers and changemakers. We have the knowledge, the skills and the unwavering UT Dallas and Jindal School spirit to tackle any challenge that comes our way. Let us go forth and make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to learn, to grow and to inspire. Congratulations, graduates! Let us change the world together.

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Shaiba Jhunjhunwala is the fourth in her family to graduate from UT Dallas. Jhunjhunwala is graduating with high distinction with a master’s in information technology. She has been a part of multiple student organizations including being an area director in Toastmasters International and a treasurer in the Indian Students Association. She also served as a teaching assistant supporting professors and students alike. She has interned at Catenate Corp and AMD for a combined three semesters. She enjoys participating in hackathons. Her team won an HP Enterprises hackathon last year. After graduation, she plans to work in a corporate position.