Graduation Speech: Aryan Punjabi

Salutations to the Class of 2025, proud parents, NBTHS administration and faculty, and North Brunswick Council. On this day, the 23rd of June, 2025, we gather to celebrate an achievement many look forward to: the ability to declare, "We did it." As we stand here today, it’s time to reflect upon our time spent as students in North Brunswick.

It began in 2012 as elementary school students, 2018 to middle school, 2021 to high school, and here, in 2025, the epic conclusion. From the friendships, to the hangouts, to standing together as one, it’s hard to imagine it’s about to be over. As we leave here today, we will venture out into the real, outside world looking for our dream jobs.

One of the greatest issues that we will face is the AI race. We currently stand in a catch-up position for this field as the technology industrialization continues. Since the 2020s, new AI models and infrastructures have emerged on platforms we utilize, but sometimes it doesn’t work out right. The biggest challenge we face is regulatory compliance.

As Gen Zers, we have been introduced to the AI technology, and we are the most adaptable. It comes to us naturally as we’re able to use smartphones and other devices so well. The ways we can contribute are endless, but there are some major steps we can take. First, we must embrace AI and understand how it works in our daily lives. It helps to know about it, so we have a basis of understanding going forward. Second, we must take the initiative to create new infrastructures. For example, an 18-year-old Gen Zer created Cal AI, which measures how many calories are in certain foods and drinks. Finally, we must use our critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and AI in the workplace effectively. We can use our creativity to its full potential as we help guide others to use AI effectively.

By the late 2030s, I envision that new companies will be created with new jobs. We will have grown economically to the point where the higher-ups thank us for how much we have contributed to this race. Entrepreneurship will continue to thrive.

Leadership is not going to be an easy road. For me, it took a couple of years until I found my maturity and ability to take initiative. The test of real leadership comes from within, working with others, and respecting ideas that are presented. There is no doubt in my mind that the Class of 2025 will be successful, no matter what situation arises or what path we go down. As President Lyndon B. Johnson said, "Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”