Jacob Gonzalez

I am absolutely ecstatic and honored to be here ― to be standing in front of all of you today ― and I’m sure you all feel the same being on the cusp of what’s to come. I would like to start my speech with a couple of thank yous.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, who have shaped me into the person I am today. I love you, Mom and Dad. I would also like to thank all of the faculty and staff that have helped all of us get to where we are today. And finally, I would like to thank myself. I know it may sound a little selfish, but I feel oftentimes we forget to show ourselves the appreciation we deserve. Of course, there are people who have been our rock, our foundation, the people who have seen us at our worst, and despite all the hardships we’ve had to endure, we had the will, the courage, and the heart to press on. Even with all the help in the world, we wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for ourselves. So, I would like to take some time for us to show ourselves a little appreciation. I would like for everyone together to say, “Thank you, self.” Ready? “Thank you, self!” Feels good, doesn’t it? It’s important to remind yourself of who you are. Sometimes that can get muddled in the everyday passing of life. But today, today we are graduates.

Today, we celebrate our accomplishments and acknowledge our sacrifices. And in today’s age, we all know we’ve been through countless historic events during our time here. But let us not forget the precious moments we’ve had here. Weird interactions with Temoc, almost getting hit by the Tobors, grabbing a drink with a friend at Northside, all these moments that have been a part of our day-to-day lives. Take these memories with you as you start the next chapter of your life, for the road ahead may be uncertain, and it’s always nice to have a fond memory or two in your back pocket. There are a couple more things that we should also keep with us. Never forget where you came from and never forget what you are capable of. We all made it here today, and we all come from different backgrounds. We all have stories, sacrifices, advantages, disadvantages, but we all achieved something together. You have a power in you that can accomplish wondrous things. If you haven’t realized that yet, I hope you realize it today. Now I’m not sure if you can fit all that in your back pocket. You may have to put some of it in your front pocket. But it’s something I hope you keep with you along your journey.

I would like to give everyone one last assignment. I know that’s not something you want to hear after putting in all this hard work to earn your degree. But just one more. I would like for everyone, including myself, to go out into the world and be all that you can be. I know that’s a very ambiguous assignment, but there is beauty in ambiguity. Only you know who you want to be, and you’re the only person who can get yourself there. So, with your pockets full, go forth and conquer the world. Thank you.

Jacob Gonzalez came to UT Dallas from the Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas. He is graduating cum laude with a degree in accounting. He joined UTD in 2019 as a part of the Academic Bridge Program and received the Academic Excellence Scholarship and the Freshman Excellence Scholarship. Gonzalez has served as a member of the Accounting Peer Mentor Program, the Professional Program in Accounting and as a family leader for the Undergraduate Success Scholars Program. Additionally, he participated in Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc., served as a speaker at JSOM’s annual Scholarship Breakfast, and can play a mean bass guitar. He was also a member of the second cohort of the Jindal Young Scholars Program and will be among the first-ever graduating class of the Jindal Young Scholars Program. After graduation, he will pursue his master’s in accounting at UT Dallas. He also has received an offer to work full time at KPMG in summer 2023.