Graduation

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.

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.

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.

Be proud of this new generation. They aren't like you, but they are what America now needs.

A generation is not 'youth.' Youth is just an age bracket. It's like an empty hotel room that different generations move into — with their own baggage — and then soon leave. Sometimes that room swells with sweet music, sometimes it throbs with death metal, sometimes it's utterly silent. But it's never the same.

No one knows what challenges this Millennial Generation may eventually be asked to bear. Hardly anyone expects them to become America's next greatest generation. But someday you can say you heard it from me: that is their destiny.

I hope if you learn anything from me today, if you remember anything that I say today, I hope you'll remember about the power of the pause. Pausing today and throughout your entire life allows you to take a breath. It allows you to take a beat. It allows you to be in the moment.

Pause before you make judgments about people's personal and professional decisions. Pause before you join in and disparage someone's sexuality or their intellectual ability. Pause before forwarding the untrue and inflammatory tidbits that have made it so difficult for public servants to serve.

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

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.

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.

Not every risk will work out, but that's okay. Failure is the world's best teacher.