A Path of Passion and Purpose

Nayelly Dominguez ’11, Associate Counsel at Bain & Company, shared a powerful message at this year’s Cum Laude Induction. She spoke about resilience and perspective through the metaphor of climbing personal mountains. Reflecting on her journey – from hardworking FWCD student to triple-major graduate of Southern Methodist University and a career in law – Dominguez spoke candidly about the challenges and setbacks she faced along the way, including a serious car accident just before college graduation. That moment forced her to reframe her idea of success and begin the climb of a second mountain: one marked by resilience, self-awareness, and renewed purpose. She closed by offering five reflections to guide graduates: foundation, humility and pride, community, integrity and attitude, and the importance of a vantage point. “Appreciate everything you have interest in. Let curiosity fill your heart and path,” Dominguez said. “Use that pride to stand up with confidence. Let any true north guide you. Be passionate. Make the most of it.”