Abhishek Balaji, a 2017 graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology and a minor in management, was selected to deliver the student response at the commencement ceremony for the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and the College of Liberal Arts on May 13. Balaji spoke about a variety of experiences he had as a Purdue undergraduate and the lessons each situation taught him.
Remembering his first visit to Purdue’s France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, Balaji found it peculiar to discover that there is a frozen yogurt shop across from the “Co-Rec’s” gymnasium.
“How do you ignore a cookie dough ‘froyo’ and walk into a gym?” he asked. Balaji said he bought the frozen treat (with “three toppings and a waffle cone,” he said) and then went back to his room for a nap. “That was the day I learned lesson number one: Set reasonable goals.”
Balaji also spoke about the importance of having a backup plan and about how using one’s unique personality can help make the world a better place.
Balaji offered advice to the Class of 2017.
“Each of us has had our own journey at Purdue and as Boilermakers,” Balaji said. “Think about your unique journey and the lessons you have learned along the way. Remember that you are a product of your experiences.”
Balaji has accepted an associate product manager position with Salesforce in San Francisco, California.
Additional information:
- What's next for the Class of 2017: Abhishek Balaji
- Video (courtesy Hall of Music Productions):