Chavi Singh

Good afternoon, everyone! I’m Chavi Singh, and I’m truly honored to be your speaker today as we celebrate this incredible milestone. Each of us here has a unique story, and together, we represent a journey of growth, perseverance and transformation. As we reach this point, we not only look back on our individual paths, but also recognize the collective strength of our graduating class.

Our time at The University of Texas at Dallas has been truly transformative. When I first stepped into the halls of UT Dallas, I didn’t know who I would become, but I knew I had a lot of growing to do. I came to this institution unsure of my own abilities, lacking the confidence to see my true potential. But today, I stand before you not just as a graduate, but as a confident leader who is ready to take on the professional world. I realized that success wasn’t just about grades or achievements, but also about becoming a stronger, more confident version of myself.

Throughout these years, we’ve all faced challenges. For me, balancing personal and mental health struggles alongside academic demands wasn’t easy. There were moments when it felt overwhelming. But in this community, I never felt alone. The support of the faculty, the encouragement of my peers and the spirit of UT Dallas created an environment where it was safe to ask for help, to stumble and to get back up stronger. I realized that real strength isn’t about never falling — it’s about finding the courage to rise, again and again, with the support of those around us.

And that’s something we all share today. Whether we struggled with confidence, faced difficult challenges or juggled countless responsibilities, none of us did it alone. We were lifted by professors who challenged us to think beyond the classroom, friends who became family and loved ones who believed in us when we doubted ourselves. Today, we are not just graduates, we are individuals who have learned to raise our hands, speak up, build relationships and take ownership of our journeys. We have learned not just how to get the job, but how to keep the job and how to stand out once we’re there.

Personally, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Mark Thouin and Professor Michelle Bellamy. Their belief in my potential and constant encouragement pushed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. They recognized my strengths even when I couldn’t see them myself, and their guidance helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow into the leader I am today. I am forever grateful for their mentorship and support.

Beyond textbooks and exams, UT Dallas taught us to find our voice. It taught us how to speak up in rooms where we might have once stayed silent, how to hold our ground with professionalism and authenticity, and how to be resilient not just by enduring, but also by growing through every challenge. These are lessons that will stay with us long after we leave today.

As we close this chapter and begin the next one, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude. Thank you to The University of Texas at Dallas for creating a space where we could grow, persevere and thrive. Let’s also thank our families, friends and mentors whose love and encouragement have been the foundation for our success. Your support has meant more than words can express.

This journey is just the beginning. As we move forward, let’s remember that learning never truly ends. We are equipped — not just to enter the workforce — but to lead, to innovate and to make a real difference.

Today, we leave with more than just degrees. We leave with friendships made, lessons learned and the strength to step into any room with confidence. No matter where our paths lead, let’s remember that our time at UT Dallas was about much more than academics. It was about finding the courage to be our true selves.

To all my fellow graduates: Whether your journey was smooth or filled with hurdles, today is a celebration of who you’ve become. We are not simply the sum of our accomplishments — we are the product of our courage, growth and the relationships that shaped us.

As we celebrate today, let’s not forget to thank ourselves. We made it through the doubts, the late nights, the moments we thought we couldn’t keep going — and yet, here we are. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown. As we step forward, let’s not just carry memories — let’s carry the spirit of UTD with us. No matter where life takes us, the bonds we’ve built here will always keep us connected.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. You’ve earned this. I’m proud of each and every one of you, and I cannot wait to see what you accomplish next.

Let’s stay connected, support one another and continue to inspire wherever we go.

Congratulations once again!

Chavi Singh came to UT Dallas from Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in Bangalore, India. She is graduating with a Master of Science in information technology and management. Singh served as president of the ITM Student Leadership Council, social media lead for the Product Base and is a proud Nash Leader — a recognition for outstanding leadership and academic excellence. She was recently honored as the JSOM Student of the Year with the prestigious OWLIE Award. After graduation, she plans to work as a product manager and dreams of building her own business one day.