Dedric Joubert

Congratulations to everyone in this room. And a special thank you to our supporters — friends, family and faculty. All of you have played a pivotal role in why we are sitting here today.

Class of 2023, we did it! Be proud of yourselves today. What we have accomplished is something no one can take away from us. As we join with loved ones to cherish this day, we remember the start of our journey and our dream of one day sitting in these seats.

We also must accept that today is bittersweet. In order to begin a new chapter in our lives, we have to write the final sentences of this one. We are writing the last lines of our college story. It’s a story about growing and blossoming into the people we are today. It’s a story of staying up late during finals, studying and stressing to ensure we receive an “A,” and picking classes with friends so we have the same schedule. It’s a story that is now ending.

But this is the start of a new chapter, a different journey on which we are now setting forth. Embrace it. Relish it. And never forget where it started. UTD is our home, a university we all love and care for. This place has given us a beginning to our adult lives that we are all grateful for. So, in that gratitude, remember to pay it forward to those who come after you. Whenever you can, help the younger generation reach this point where we are all today, just like others have assisted us. We made it through these years with hard work and determination. Those two things will continue to elevate us to so much more, but remember those who helped you get here, and try to be that helper to others coming up behind you.

If I could leave you with one thing, I would encourage you to run your own race. My life, with all its twists and turns, has taught me this valuable lesson. Years ago, I found myself dropping out of college following a horrendous start. I was almost on academic probation. I dropped out of college, and I felt like a failure. At the time, many doubted that I could make anything of myself. After working through many jobs, living life day to day without amounting to much success, I finally made the decision to give everything I had to my education. That’s how I got here today. I stand before you as the first member of my family to see their name on a college diploma. I say this to let you know that only you can write the book of your life. Only you can dictate what happens in each chapter and how that book ends. No one else. I advise you to write your book wisely. Your future as of right now, the story of your life, is within your hands. You can write anything you choose. You are strong, resilient and gifted with a great education. What will you write?

Enjoy this day; we deserve it. Thank you for having me, and congratulations, graduates!

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Dedric Joubert is a transfer student who graduates today with a bachelor’s in American studies. With a passion for law, learning and giving back to his community, he has volunteered as a mentor for homeless youth and is the first college graduate in his family’s history. He plans to attend law school and become a practicing attorney.