Editor’s Note: Every Comet follows a distinct path to UT Dallas, and members of the Class of 2019 are no exception. A few soon-to-be fall graduates shared their thoughts about their journeys as they get ready to tackle new challenges after commencement.
David Goodrich had to dig deep to develop the true grit required to finish his bachelor’s degree in economics from the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Having previously worked at a warehouse loading dock for eight years, the affable yet driven young father of four began his academic journey by taking 18 credit hours per semester while holding down a full-time job.
Although money was tight and life was stressful, Goodrich was not one to make excuses. He studied constantly in between cooking, trips to the grocery store and babysitting while his wife worked full time as a pharmacy store manager. Goodrich got little sleep and felt his “body was falling apart.”
Financial relief came from his Native American roots: Goodrich’s mother is a member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, which paid for Goodrich’s tuition and other expenses. Buoyed by his family’s strong support and what he calls the tribe’s “life-changing” generosity, Goodrich plans to begin working toward a master’s degree in finance at UT Dallas next semester.
What will you miss most about being an undergraduate at UTD?
Grabbing a coffee at night during a study break. The campus is pretty relaxing late in the day, or maybe my house is just really loud by comparison.
Would you rather have to retake a final exam or be Temoc for a day?
Retake a final for sure. It would be fun, but sadly I just don’t have time to run around in a Comet suit.
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What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a “professional” elementary school lunch packer.
What are the best ways to survive a Monday?
The only reasonable response is caffeine times three.
What’s the most Instagrammable spot on campus?
Not sure about Instragrammable, but the third-floor balcony in the new engineering building [Engineering and Computer Science West] is great.
What’s the first thing you’ll do to celebrate your graduation?
Sleep.
What accomplishment/project are you most proud of from your time at UTD?
Getting into graduate school while still being there for my family.
UT Dallas alumni make their mark wherever they go. How will you make yours?
Ideally through charity.
Class of 2019
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