Courage

Don't wait until they tell you you are ready. Get in there. Show it. Do it.

The person under 25 is less a rough draft than a finely honed instrument, tailor-made for one of life's greatest periods of challenge and change.

Own those qualities of youthful recklessness. They give us the power to achieve incredible things, whether in our careers, in public service, in our communities, or around the world.

So fight to make a difference in this world. Fight for good. Fight for fairness. Fight on!

Don't be afraid to shoot the long ball. Take the risk. Life is too short to spend your time avoiding failure. If I had worried about failure or listened to those who do, I would never have started my company and never run for mayor.

You leave this school as well-armed for battle as anyone is. Now you actually have to go do it.

It is not a disgrace to not reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim, is sin.

In the days ahead, a lot of people will tell you to trust your instincts and don't be afraid to take chances, and I am definitely one of those people. But I would also say this: don't rush into the next phase of your life.

If you live long enough, every defeat will turn into a victory.

Always protect your reputation — and have the courage to follow your dreams.

Don't just think about what already exists. Think about what doesn't exist and do that.

Develop your own compass, and trust it. Take risks. Dare to fail. Remember, the first person through the wall always gets bloody.