When Daniel Hsu steps up to the podium at Worcester State University’s commencement ceremony on May 17, he will have an important message to share with his fellow graduates. Hsu was recently selected as the student speaker, a prestigious honor that recognizes his academic achievements and leadership during his time at Worcester State.
Hsu, who is from San Mateo, Calif., is graduating with a degree in business administration and a concentration in finance. He said his selection as student speaker came as a surprise. “It felt surreal,” Hsu said. “I was overjoyed and extremely excited, and it forced me to really think back over the course of the past four years and just really reflect on everything that’s led up to this moment.”
Hsu’s journey to Worcester State was not a straightforward one. After an injury derailed his plans to play soccer at a university in Buffalo, N.Y., Hsu took a detour to a community college in Massachusetts before transferring to Worcester State.
Hsu’s initial injury setback led him to visit friends in Massachusetts, where he fell in love with the region and ultimately chose to continue his education and athletic career at Worcester State University, drawn by the people, the campus, and the natural beauty of New England. He credits the university’s supportive faculty and rigorous curriculum with helping him develop the technical skills and confidence to excel in his field. Those experiences, along with the support Hsu received from Worcester State’s faculty, helped shape him into the confident, accomplished student he is today, he said.
“With the learning objectives and the professors that we have here at Worcester State, they’ve been able to support me and push me past just understanding the foundations to going beyond the textbook and learning more practical, real-world scenarios,” Hsu said.
As he prepares to address his classmates, Hsu hopes to inspire them with his story and the lessons he’s learned. In his speech, he plans to address the common struggles and “mistakes” that many students face, reminding his peers that failure is a normal part of the learning process. He hopes his words will empower others to embrace their own unique paths and not be deterred by perceived setbacks.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to share my story and encourage my fellow graduates to pursue their dreams, even if the journey isn’t always smooth,” he said. After graduation, Hsu will begin a full-time role as a finance and equity research analyst in Seattle. “Worcester State has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” he said.
Our News
Women’s lacrosse team makes history with first-ever spot in NCAA Championship
The Worcester State University women’s lacrosse team has made history, capturing its first-ever MASCAC championship title and earning the program’s inaugural trip to this weekend’s NCAA . . .