Jayesh Rathore

Good afternoon, esteemed faculty, proud parents, honored guests and my fellow graduates. Today is a day of celebration, reflection and gratitude as we gather to mark the culmination of our journey at The University of Texas at Dallas. I stand before you as a representative of the Class of 2023, humbled and honored to share this momentous occasion with each of you.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to UTD for providing us with a world-class education and unparalleled opportunities. As an international student from India, I remember the trepidation I felt when I first arrived on this campus. But UTD welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Our time at UTD has been an incredible adventure of learning, growth and camaraderie. We have gained the tools and insights necessary to succeed in our chosen fields, and we have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. The diverse student body, with individuals from every corner of the world, has enriched our learning experience by exposing us to various cultures, perspectives and ideas.

To our remarkable professors, we owe a debt of gratitude for their unyielding dedication, encouragement and wisdom. They have shared their vast experience, applied real-world examples to our coursework and guided us on our path to becoming professionals. Your support has been invaluable, and we will forever cherish the lessons you have taught.

As the great Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote resonates with us today as we step out into the world, armed with knowledge and skills, ready to make a positive impact.

UTD has given us an exceptional education and has fostered a culture of learning, growth and community. The scholarships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships offered to students have provided financial support, enabling us to focus on our academic and personal development.

As we bid farewell to the halls of UTD, let us cherish the lessons we have learned, the friendships we have forged and the growth we have experienced. We are now part of a global network of UTD alumni, forever connected by our shared memories.

Like many of you, I have had life-changing experiences during my time at UTD. I had the good fortune to intern at REV, a property management startup. This invaluable experience allowed me to grow as a data scientist and explore the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. I am thrilled to continue my journey with REV, applying the knowledge and skills gained at UTD.

As a member of the data visualization club EnVision, I learned the importance of collaboration, creativity and perseverance. I am proud to have been part of a vibrant community of students, driven by a shared passion for visualizing complex data and uncovering the stories behind the numbers. I know many of you have had similar experiences, and together, we have grown into the individuals we are today.

To my fellow graduates, I urge you to embrace the uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown. The world is filled with infinite possibilities, and the only limit to what you can achieve is the one you set for yourself. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead and let your passion, creativity and determination guide you as you embark on this new chapter of your lives.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to The University of Texas at Dallas, our professors, our families and our friends for their unwavering support and guidance throughout our journey.

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Jayesh Rathore came from India to join UT Dallas in fall 2021 to pursue a Master of Science in business analytics degree. Before coming to Texas, he worked for a major corporation in operations and played a vital role in the growth of one of India’s fastest-growing startups, where he contributed his skills in analytics and marketing. At the Naveen Jindal School of Management, he has served as the president of EnVision, the data visualization club of JSOM, and as a teaching assistant for the marketing area. He interned at a startup in the property management sector, called Rev. After receiving his degree today, he will continue his journey at Rev, taking on the role of product manager.