Don't buy society's definition of success. Because it's not working for anyone. It's not working for women, it's not working for men, it's not working for polar bears.
Arianna Huffington
Smith College Commencement 2013, 2013
Decisions are made by those who show up.
Aaron Sorkin
Syracuse University Commencement 2012, 2012
Education does begin in the home, not in the schools. In the first weeks of life, there comes a moment when a child hears its mother's voice and knows that it's his mother. At that point, the brain shuts out all other languages and only listens to the mother's language. At that moment, education begins.
Colin Powell
Northeastern University Commencement 2012, 2012
It just doesn't pay to be a jerk. Kindness, respect, and all that good stuff — it just goes a long way.
Sutton Foster
Ball State University Commencement 2012, 2012
All forms of success, from being a great mother to being a great actor, take tenacity and determination. They say for every light on Broadway there is a broken heart, an unrealized dream — and that's the same in every profession.
Sutton Foster
Ball State University Commencement 2012, 2012
What's just as important as having a plan is being able to adapt. A lot of the best things I've experienced are things I never knew or never expected or knew to prepare for.
Wesley Chan
UC San Diego Sixth College Commencement 2012, 2012
With each new obstacle comes a new opportunity to grow.
Wesley Chan
UC San Diego Sixth College Commencement 2012, 2012
Don't ever feel boxed into a single career or pursuit. Remain curious. Explore every axis, on every front, in the battle to make a difference.
Ronan Farrow
Dominican University of California Commencement 2012, 2012
Be proud of this new generation. They aren't like you, but they are what America now needs.
Neil Howe
University of Mary Washington Commencement 2012, 2012
Do what you love. Find a way to get paid for it. And if you ever have the luxury of multiple job offers, don't make the decision based on salary alone.
Michael Bloomberg
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Commencement 2012, 2012
Not every risk will work out, but that's okay. Failure is the world's best teacher.
Michael Bloomberg
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Commencement 2012, 2012
You cannot tell yourself where things would lead. Finding what you want to do next is a job, and like any job, you have to put in the hours.
Ira Glass
Goucher College Commencement 2012, 2012