Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, shared a nostalgic video that captured the life-changing moment he received his acceptance letter from Harvard University. Originally posted in 2017 as a ‘Throwback Thursday’ video – back when those were still a thing – the video resurfaced on Zuckerberg’s profile as a reminder of his journey from a young student to a tech billionaire.
In the clip, a teenage Zuckerberg excitedly reads his acceptance letter while his father, Edward Zuckerberg, records the moment. After confirming the good news, the duo shares a celebratory high-five. Edward proudly introduces his son as one of Harvard’s newest members.
Watch the video here:
What Did Zuckerberg Say About The Video?
Reflecting on the occasion, Zuckerberg captioned the 2017 post: “My dad took this video when I got accepted to Harvard. Next week I’m going back for commencement to get my degree.” At the time, the billionaire entrepreneur was preparing to deliver the keynote address at Harvard’s 2017 graduation ceremony and receive an honorary degree from the prestigious institution.
Though accepted into the class of 2006, Zuckerberg famously dropped out in 2004 to focus on building Facebook, which would go on to become the world’s largest social media platform. His decision to leave the Ivy League school sparked conversations about unconventional paths to success.
In the comment section of his post, Zuckerberg humorously recalled a family bet: “Before I went to college, my mom bet me I’d drop out, and my younger sister bet she’d finish college before me. I bet them I’d get a degree. Now I suppose the cycle is complete.”
The honorary degree he received in 2017 symbolically fulfilled that wager, despite his non-traditional educational journey.
Zuckerberg’s throwback video offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal chapter of his life, showcasing not just a personal milestone but the origins of a tech empire that reshaped global communication. It stands as a testament to the winding paths that often lead to success.
