Nathalie Tacconi, class of 2008

Nathalie Tacconi, class of 2008

Nathalie Tacconi, class of 2008

The University of Texas at Arlington
May 9, 2008

In taking the stage today, I can’t help but be honored for the chance to speak on behalf of my fellow Mavericks.  Today is an eventful day for all of us graduates, as we leave the college kiddy pool and enter the immense ocean of life. As we all look towards our futures, I can’t help but look towards the past and at how much I have grown since arriving here as a mere freshman.  At the very beginning I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  The task of picking a major was quite daunting and to this day I can officially say I haven’t picked one.  Getting a double major in biology and computer science is not something common to most students, but it is something I definitely can say I have enjoyed thoroughly and would have probably never found if I had attended another university.  From the very beginning I was given individual treatment here at the University of Texas at Arlington: whether it be figuring out a homework problem or orienting my research interests, UTA’s faculty has encouraged me to question everything in my quest for knowledge. The great thing about UTA, however, is not just its dedication to students, but also the quality of the courses and professors.  My professors’ doors were always open, though possibly to their dismay, at any of my unusual questions.  And, when I decided early on, due to the guidance of the Honors College, to pursue undergraduate research, I had a plethora of professors under whom I could work.  My most recent research involves actually determining which of some slightly altered versions of a drug will destroy a cancerous tumor.  The drug shows much potential due to it anaerobic DNA cleaving properties.  This experience has shown me the immense value of the university’s groundbreaking research and the dedicated people that do it every day.

My time at UTA, however, has not been all work.  I will always remember how certain university events completely made my day.  No one could ever bring me down on Earth Day, as UTA’s organizations would give away free plants; and engineering week was one of my favorite weeks, as we not only got to visit with prospective employers but also got to pie our professors in the face.  My few years here have seen the addition of a new chemistry and physics building, the brand new Maverick activities center, and the beginning of the new engineering buildings.  Now that we are graduating I can’t help but be a little sad at all the fun times that are coming to an end.  In September I will be moving to Seattle to test the waters of the computer science industry.  No matter where your future takes you be it graduate school, military, government, or industry, know that UTA has had your future in mind since the very beginning.  I have full confidence that my educational experience here has thoroughly prepared me for my future endeavors. 

Before I leave you, I have a couple of words of advice through my own experiences. Go through life with enthusiasm and curiosity.  Every journey is filled with hard work and the only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you remember to be a Maverick, success will be within your reach.  Finally, representing the class of 2008, we give thanks to the many people involved in our graduation: family, friends, professors, and other loved ones; the memories of our path here will always be with us.  Congratulations to the class of 2008!