Aisha Conde Dibaki

Hello, Class of 2024!

Hello professors, deans, families and guests. Many of you have traveled far to witness our success and celebrate with us. We are thankful to have you here and welcome you to UT Dallas.

Graduates, today is a special day. And you all look fantastic!

#ClassOf2024

#UTDone

#IDidIt

#HireMe

These are some popular hashtags on your social media and networking posts today.

My favorite one is #NewChapter.

I often wonder, what do we really mean by “new chapter?” Or should I ask, “What should we title this new chapter?”

See, for some of you here today, this is truly a new chapter. You worked hard for the past few years on your degree, and you will go on to start a great career.

For others, this is maybe a page in an existing chapter.

The beauty of life is that we find ourselves at different stages.

I, for example, earned my undergraduate degree many years ago. Shortly after, I was hired for my first “grown-up” job, started a family and adjusted to new responsibilities.

But I always had a wish to learn more. I always told everyone that once my youngest child went to kindergarten, I would go back to school for my master’s. And that’s what I did.

Throughout my courses at UT Dallas, I met classmates who shared similar realities. Group meetings had to be held after 9 p.m. because that was after our children’s bedtime.

I also met students who enrolled in graduate school immediately after their undergraduate degree, fully dedicated to their studies.

I met many international students. By the way, UT Dallas has more than 130 countries represented!

I even had classmates who lived in different cities and states. Thanks to online learning, they were able to benefit from this top-tier education. Among us, we have graduates who are on campus for the first time.

But today, we are all here, in one room. Today, we all share the common experience of hard work, perseverance and the joy of reaching this milestone.

Circling back to the question I asked earlier: “What will be the title of this new chapter?”

The answer is up to you. You get to write your own story. And while you write your story, consider these three principles:

1. Be compassionate: Compassion helps you understand another person’s perspective and build authentic connections.
2. Be resilient: You’ve spent the past few years “toughing it out” through assignments, exams and research papers. For every “yes” you will get, you’re guaranteed to hear at least one “no.” Don’t let that discourage you from reaching your goals.
3. Be gracious to yourself: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes — that’s how you grow. As you learn from your experiences, also recognize and celebrate the small wins. Eventually, these small wins will lead to significant achievements.

Keep in mind, there isn’t a book without a cover, so I invite you to immortalize this moment. Make memories, take a picture or two, congratulate the person next to you, and network with fellow graduates.

Because, Comets, regardless of where we are in life, this is today’s chapter.

I would like to end by leaving you with two hashtags for your social media posts: #todayschapter and #ForeverComets.  Congratulations!

Aisha Conde Dibaki is graduating with a master’s in supply chain management. Originally from Ivory Coast, Dibaki embarked on her journey to the United States many years ago to pursue her undergraduate studies. After earning a bachelor’s in marketing, she began her professional career in client services, where she honed her skills in communication and relationship-building. She then transitioned into the nonprofit sector, focusing on fundraising for schools and universities. In 2021, Dibaki joined UT Dallas as a staff member in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, where she made significant contributions before becoming a student herself. Dibaki currently serves as associate director of UT Dallas Alumni, where she is dedicated to fostering connections and enhancing the alumni experience.