Near the end of his speech, Harris had the entire graduating class stand and repeat this phrase together. He explained that it means every person is born multi-potential with the ability to do anything they want in life, born multi-talented with unique skills, and most importantly, born for a reason. Harris, who grew up in a poor community and a broken home before becoming the first African-American to walk in space, offered himself as living proof that where you start does not determine where you finish.