Laiba Khan

Good afternoon, distinguished faculty, family, friends and, most importantly, the graduating Class of 2025!

Today, we gather to celebrate a moment that we have all worked so hard to achieve — our graduation. It is a day of joy, reflection and anticipation for the future. As we sit here, dressed in our caps and gowns, we share more than just a ceremony; we share a journey of the obstacles we overcame, the doubts we pushed through and the dreams we dared to chase.

Like many graduates here today, my personal journey was shaped by coming from a first-generation immigrant family, which has been my motivation to succeed. I’m the proud daughter of two parents who left their homes in Pakistan and worked tirelessly to provide for their family here in the U.S. This is the story of so many here today and those I’ve met during my time at UTD. Our stories may differ, but they are bound by common threads: sacrifice, hope and a drive to make all our struggles worth it. Some of our families traveled thousands of miles away from their homelands in hopes that their children would have a better future. With this hope comes a tremendous responsibility, as the pressure to succeed that we feel from our loved ones can seem overwhelming at times.

I want to take a moment to thank the two people who have been the foundation of my journey — my parents. Thank you for your sacrifices, your strength and your unwavering belief in me, even when I doubted myself. You left behind everything familiar to build a new life in a new country, just so I could have opportunities you never had. Every late night, every challenge and every achievement I’ve had has been fueled by your love and resilience. This milestone isn’t just mine — it’s a testament to your courage and everything you’ve poured into my future.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. And thank you to every parent who made similar sacrifices so their children could stand where we are today.

Throughout my time at UTD, there were countless moments when I questioned whether I could keep going. I pulled all-nighters studying for classes like Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and spent long months preparing for the MCAT. I juggled multiple responsibilities, such as conducting psychological research projects, publishing various works, spending hundreds of hours shadowing different physicians, volunteering at a variety of clinics, tutoring underprivileged children and working extended shifts as an ER scribe. At the same time, I made it a priority to stay involved in campus life, finding joy and purpose in being part of the UTD community.

There were moments when giving up felt easier than pushing forward. But I didn’t. We didn’t. Not alone, but together. We leaned on others — our classmates, professors, mentors and loved ones — who believed in us, even when we struggled to believe in ourselves. Each of us here has pushed through our own version of these challenges — our own moments of uncertainty and our own quiet victories.

When I think back to my freshman year, I remember walking into Dr. Kaaz Naqvi’s seminar class feeling nervous and unsure of where I belonged or what I was capable of. And yet, three years later, I stood beside Dr. Kaaz — not as a student, but as a First-Year Leader, helping to guide the next wave of students finding their own path. That full-circle moment reminded me how much can change when we give ourselves the space to grow.

UTD didn’t just provide the academic foundation I needed to go to medical school, it was where I found my community, my mentors and my confidence. It taught me how to lead, how to care and, most importantly, how to believe in the version of myself I had yet to meet.

As we step forward into the next chapter of our lives, we take with us the lessons learned beyond textbooks and lectures. We have learned strength in the face of adversity, the ability to adapt and the power of connection. We have learned that success is not measured solely by grades or achievements, but by the impact we make on others and the challenges we conquer.

For me, this next chapter means stepping into a new role as a medical assistant at an interventional cardiology clinic during my gap year before medical school. I’m excited to continue learning — this time from patients, physicians and real-world experiences — as I prepare to take the next step in my journey to become a physician.

I encourage each of us to continue seeking knowledge, to remain curious and to approach the world with the same determination that brought us to this moment. Whether we are entering the workforce, continuing our education or pursuing our passions, let us carry forward the spirit of UTD — innovation, integrity and excellence.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” Today is not just an ending; it is the beginning of the impact we will make. Let’s step forward with confidence, curiosity and a commitment to building a future we can all be proud of. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Laiba Khan is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in healthcare studies on the premedical track. Khan was a research assistant at the Aging Well Lab and a First-Year Leader. She has worked as a medical scribe in a pediatric emergency room and volunteered as a medical assistant. Khan plans to work in an interventional cardiology clinic during her gap year before applying to medical school.