Kanza Arshad is graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences and Full University Honors. Kanza gave the student address at the Fall Honors Day ceremony in December.
“Good evening, esteemed faculty, families, friends, and my amazing fellow graduates.
I’m truly honored to stand here tonight, representing the Honors Program and celebrating this moment with all of you.
If you had asked me three and a half years ago what college would look like for me, I would have said, ‘Going to class and studying.’ That’s literally it. I really thought the whole chapter of being involved was over with high school, and that I had to fully focus on my studies.
As a first-generation student and someone who immigrated from Pakistan in 2014, I honestly didn’t have a clear picture of how college was supposed to work. I wasn’t one of those students who spent years touring campuses or researching universities. Those conversations didn’t even start until my senior year of high school, and by then, it felt like everyone already had a plan except me. I was overwhelmed, balancing everything, and worried about how I would even be able to afford college. So, at first, I planned on attending community college, but I also applied to a few universities in Illinois just to see what would happen. And eventually, with NIU’s support and guidance, I found my way here.
One of my earliest NIU memories was writing an email to my future self. I wrote about student leaders who I had met and admired their leadership and confidence. I hoped I would grow into those qualities too, even though I doubted it at the time. If only that anxious freshman could see me now.
What’s funny is that at first, I didn’t really see the point of joining Honors. I originally signed up simply because my friend did. I thought, “Why not? I’ll do it too.” I had no idea that one simple “why not” would end up shaping my entire college experience. Honors pushed me out of the bubble I had determined to keep around myself and showed me that excellence isn’t just about grades. It’s about being present, involved, and open.
But what truly opened my college world was the network of friends I made in Honors. We not only supported each other academically, but we constantly shared tips and opportunities, pushing each other toward involvement on campus that went beyond hitting our Honors requirements.
Growing up in Pakistan, I was very extroverted and loved being involved. But after moving to the U.S., everything felt new, new environment, new language, and naturally I became more reserved. So, when Honors encouraged us to get engaged on campus, I viewed it very practically at first. I thought, ‘Okay, I need engaged experience… let me join something.’ That’s when I applied for the Muslim Student Association. I had no idea that one small step would bring leadership back into my life.
At MSA, I started off as an event coordinator, and then became Vice President, and later President. That organization brought back the version of myself I had put aside. Additional to learning the leadership skills, it reminded me that I do love leadership, and that I have something meaningful to contribute.
From there, joining other organizations wasn’t about checking boxes anymore. I got involved with MSA, the National Pre-Medical Association, and the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student Association because I genuinely wanted to help and be part of the community. Honors didn’t just ask more of me, it pushed me toward potential I didn’t realize I still had.
And look around this room, these are some of the most driven people you will ever meet. We all got here differently, but we all put in the effort.
To the students who came straight from high school… to those who returned later in life… to the parents, the caretakers, the students working two jobs… YOU are proof that determination doesn’t look the same for everyone. You are proof that commitment can happen at any age, any stage, and under any circumstance. Your strength raised the bar for all of us.
When I think back on my time here, the memories that stick aren’t the exam nights or the papers, they’re the moments of connection. Like that chaotic escape room event held by honors where we were literally seconds away from escaping. Five more seconds and we would’ve made it out. It’s a memory that will stick with me forever.
The Honors Program wasn’t just ‘smart students in one place.’ It was community. It was belonging. It was support.
So, to the Honors staff, faculty, and fellows, thank you for setting a standard that pushed us to grow, for believing in us, and for guiding us through every barrier we thought we couldn’t cross.
And before I close, I want to acknowledge what has carried me through: And my success is only by Allah. From Surah Hud, verse 88. I also want to thank my family, especially my parents, for their love and constant support.
And to my fellow graduates, look at what you did. Every doubt, every challenge and you’re still here. You made it. We made it!
Whatever comes next, work, grad school, professional school, just remember: the dedication and purpose you built here, that’s what’s going to carry you forward.
The Honors Program pushed me to be better, and I know it did the same for you. Let’s take that with us.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!!”
