Anvita Kashyap

Thank you, Dean Pirkul, Associate Dean Powell, and the Jindal School faculty who are here celebrating with us.

To the esteemed faculty, families, friends, my fellow graduates and all those who have gathered here today, I stand before you with a heart brimming with gratitude and pride as I reflect on all our incredible and transformative journeys through The University of Texas at Dallas. Like all of us, I too had dreams, and mine led me to pursue my undergraduate education in information technology and systems at UTD. It was not a common path for many of us back home, but I was eager to explore, meet diverse individuals, and gain valuable life lessons and experiences in a whole new country.

First and foremost, I fall short of words to express my thankfulness to my family, my parents and my brother for their unwavering support throughout these four years. Your love and encouragement are a blessing to me, and it has not been easy to live far away from you for all these years to pursue my dreams. My fellow graduates, let’s take this moment to turn around and wave to everyone who came to support us today!

Just a handful of years ago, we entered this institution as undergraduates, graduate students and PhD students, each bringing our unique dreams and aspirations. Our shared dreams, our collective pursuit of knowledge and our joint resilience have turned The University of Texas at Dallas into more than just an educational institution. It stands as a place where we’ve met some of the most incredible professors, individuals and friends.

One of the aspects about UTD that many of us cherish is how incredibly diverse it is. The inclusivity and celebration of every culture and background is truly remarkable, making UTD a special place for all of us. UTD’s inclusive environment has made this not just a place of learning, but also a place where every voice is heard, every story is valued and every individual finds a sense of belonging.

While academics have been the cornerstone of our time here, some of us also have had the privilege of participating in various activities and clubs on campus. These experiences have taught us that while education plays an important role toward our careers, it is also essential to give importance to the friendships we’ve built, the clubs we’ve joined, the late-night study sessions and the passionate discussions over coffee that helped us truly embrace the depth of learning.

Furthermore, on behalf of all my fellow graduates, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the professors at UTD and to the mentors at school, home and work who have tirelessly dedicated their time and efforts, leaving an incredible mark on each one of us. You all have not only imparted knowledge, but also shaped us into the professionals we are today.

Last but not least, to my fellow graduates, we are incredibly fortunate to have encountered amazing individuals throughout our journey. The bonds we have created during our time at UTD are unbreakable. When we set foot on this campus, it wasn’t merely a substitution for our family’s warmth or the familiarity of our hometown; it was the creation of a new home! A home where friendships blossomed, ideas flourished and lifelong bonds were created. We have rejoiced in each other’s successes and provided one another solace during tough times. Each one of us has reached this moment through determination and hard work, and we should all be so proud of ourselves. I firmly believe that greatness awaits every individual here. Our time at UTD has armed us with knowledge, skills and the resilience to take on the world. We are the future leaders, innovators and catalysts for change.

In closing, my heart is not just filled with gratitude but also immense pride for being a part of this esteemed institution. As we bid our farewell, let’s carry a piece of UTD in our hearts wherever our paths may lead. Fellow graduates, the world eagerly anticipates our unique contributions, and I am excited to witness the positive impact we’ll create. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for being a part of this incredible voyage.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Thank you all.

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Anvita Kashyap joined UT Dallas four years ago all the way from southern India. Today, she celebrates her journey, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in information technology and systems. Her passion for technology and innovation fuels her desire to make a positive impact on society as she plans to pursue a career in technology development. Kashyap is a professionally trained singer with a profound love for music and art. She has performed on various platforms in India and the U.S., in the presence of distinguished personalities. She also has been active in student organizations at UTD including public relations officer for the Kruthi Music Club and a content creator for the Naveen Jindal School of Management’s social media platforms. After graduation, she plans to advance in her field of study and nurture her passion for creativity.