An old video of Vivek Ramaswamy’s high school graduation speech has gone viral following his recent announcement to join Donald Trump’s government alongside tech mogul Elon Musk. The video shows a young Ramaswamy, 18 years old at the time, delivering a reflective commencement address at St. Xavier High School.
In the speech, Ramaswamy looks back on his high school journey, saying, “I have been racing my entire high school career, but now, when we are finally crossing the finish line, I wish I could have stopped, just a little earlier, and catch a breath of the fresh air that has surrounded me the whole time.” His words, filled with introspection, have struck a chord with many viewers.
He goes on to welcome the crowd, stating, “Teachers, staff, classmates, counsellors and friends, I’d like to welcome you to the 2003 Saint X graduation ceremony.”
Ramaswamy, drawing from his English literature studies, explores the duality of graduation. Quoting “It is better to travel than it is to arrive,” he admits to feeling torn about the moment. “How am I supposed to feel right now?” he asks, expressing the mix of uncertainty and excitement many graduates experience at such a pivotal time.
He also delves into the meaning of the word “commencement,” noting its French roots, “commencer,” meaning “to begin.” Ramaswamy reflects on how the term is used to signify both the end of high school and the beginning of a new chapter: “So, what is it really? The climactic ending to it all, or the launch pad from which we now embark?”
Looking ahead, he ponders the lasting significance of the “Class of 2003.” While the class may remember victories and accomplishments, Ramaswamy believes that the most lasting memories would be personal ones, like his experience navigating St. Xavier as a non-Catholic Hindu. He recalls feeling out of place during rituals he didn’t understand but finding his own path to faith over time. This journey of self-discovery, he believes, is what will ultimately define their class.
Ramaswamy’s parents, immigrants from Kerala, India, moved to the U.S. in the 1970s. He graduated from St. Xavier High School in 2003, a private Catholic school in Cincinnati.
As part of Trump’s new administration, Ramaswamy will co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Elon Musk.
