The 2024 University of Phoenix Valedictorian Speech, Presented By Draft Kings

To all the friends and family gathered here today, to all of the amazing professors, and most importantly, to my peers:

 

My heart is full today as I look out and see hundreds of familiar usernames. I’m honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with you all. College is a unique experience. Uniquely formative, uniquely exciting, uniquely challenging, and let’s admit it, uniquely sleep-depriving. I’m joking of course. But to be standing here before you today as a college graduate has made every midnight deadline and 8 a.m. lecture worth it. I am excited for us to leave this Zoom meeting with our heads held high, knowing that we are the next generation of thinkers and doers.

 

I’m also super excited to tell you about a service that has changed my life, Hello Fresh. Whether I had a big exam coming up, was swamped with extracurricular activities, or just wanted a healthy and delicious meal, Hello Fresh kept my fridge stocked with tasty, ready-made meal kits—allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time in the library. Try Hello Fresh today!

 

Now, I want to start my address by highlighting the achievement of a student who I think embodies the passion and creativity that defines us as University of Phoenix students. Carlos Freitas is a first-generation college student from Mexico City, Mexico. He studies Computational Biology and Visual Arts, combining his passion for research with his passion for painting. Carlos’s experience exemplifies the flexible and unique approach University of Phoenix students take to higher education. Because of people like Carlos, I learned the importance of tailoring my education to my interests.

 

Carlos didn’t have to choose between science and the arts, and with Manscaped, you don’t have to choose between cost and convenience. Manscaped’s new Lawn Mower 4.0 is an affordable solution for all of your male grooming needs. Plus, it’s portable, waterproof, and has a battery life of up to 6 hours! Carlos didn’t have to settle, so why should you? Manscaped’s Lawn Mower 4.0—get yours today.

 

As I think back to all the classes, all the exams, and yes, all the parties—sorry, Mom, plug your ears for this part—I know this year’s graduating class is uniquely prepared to go out and tackle the world ahead of us. As I reflect on my time here at the University of Phoenix, I think about the educators whose words will stick with me long after I’ve left this cyber-learning space. For those of you who also took Econ 101 with Professor Tomlinson, it’s like he always said…

 

“ZipRecruiter is the #1 rated job site in the US. Unlike traditional online employment sites, ZipRecruiter curates opportunities for job-seekers and matches businesses to prospective employees. If you’re looking for a job, make ZipRecruiter your first stop on the way to employment.”

 

In closing, as you go forth from these breakout rooms, I want you to always remember this place and these people. We all came to the University of Phoenix for different reasons, but I think I speak for everyone here when I say that none of us knew just how life-changing this experience would be. Today you leave the University of Phoenix, but the University of Phoenix will never leave you. Congratulations to the class of 2024!

 

But before I go, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about a college that’s changing thousands of people’s lives across the country and beyond: Grand Canyon University. GCU provides flexible, well-rounded educational programs tailored to every student’s individual needs, whether you’re looking to earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Over 90,000 students matriculate yearly, and most GCU graduates report feeling satisfied in their careers after graduation. GCU—making a world-class education accessible and affordable.