Channel your emotion into determination. Find exhilaration in the repetition. And put all of yourself into this role of a lifetime.
speech graduation passion
Idina Menzel
University of Pennsylvania Commencement 2023, 2023
Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth. The people who wanted it the least were the ones I wanted to date and be friends with in high school. The people who want it the most are the people I now hire to work for my company.
speech graduation authenticity
Taylor Swift
New York University Commencement 2022, 2022
People like you who are willing to put in deep, concentrated, single-minded effort are creating the pathways that will lead us out of this crisis.
speech graduation perseverance
Marie Lynn Miranda
University of Notre Dame Graduate School Commencement 2021, 2021
There may be more failures than victories. I've been blessed to have 24 Grammys, but I've lost 46 times. That meant rejection 46 times. Please don't ever feel entitled to win — just keep working harder.
speech graduation failure
Beyoncé
Dear Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement, 2020
Don't just dream about what you're going to do. Don't criticize somebody else for what they're not doing. You be it. Be about it. Be about that action and go do it.
speech graduation courage
Beyoncé
Dear Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement, 2020
Your reputation is everything. Don't sell it or trade it for anything.
speech graduation authenticity
Michael Bloomberg
Harvard Business School Commencement 2019, 2019
Nothing replaces actually doing the work. Greatness is born out of the grind, so embrace the grind.
speech graduation discipline
Robert F. Smith
Morehouse College Commencement 2019, 2019
The most radical act we can take is to make a commitment to a particular thing — to a place, to a profession, to a cause, to a community, to a person.
speech graduation purpose
Pete Davis
Harvard University Commencement 2018, 2018
In this age of Infinite Browsing Mode, we should pick a damn movie and watch it all the way through — before we fall asleep.
speech graduation purpose
Pete Davis
Harvard University Commencement 2018, 2018
There are no shortcuts to feeling competent at what you do. It's the work.
speech graduation discipline
Josh Groban
High Point University Commencement 2018, 2018
Real success requires step after step after step after step. It requires choice after choice.
speech graduation perseverance
Jesmyn Ward
Tulane University Commencement 2018, 2018
Success is not an entitlement. It has to be earned every day through the lens of humility.
speech graduation humility
Howard Schultz
Arizona State University Commencement 2017, 2017