Five 2021 Graduation Speeches That Inspired Me

By Simon Allen

This year has been tumultuous and stressful for students and educators around the world – a year like no other. So, it’s especially meaningful to me to see images and videos of graduates walking across the stage in recent weeks, taking the next steps in their lives.

I’ve always enjoyed hearing commencement speeches and found them memorable. But this year these messages of courage, purpose, opportunity and more seem especially relevant. Here are a few that caught my attention.

 University of Southern California: 

Bina Venkataraman’s speech at the University of Southern California focuses on courage as an individual’s driving force. Courage is a necessity for 2021 graduates as they move forward in their careers and their lives and as they struggle to overcome the challenges/obstacles that they will encounter.

“In my experience thus far in my life and career, the most rewarding and meaningful moments have come not from flexing my talent or my knowledge. They have come from learning to summon courage.”

Tulane:

Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges’ speech at Tulane emphasizes the importance of opportunities and accepting all that comes along with it. For graduates, opportunities are about taking action. Our lives are made up of the decisions we make, the actions we take and the opportunities we are given.

"Class of 2021, opportunity comes packaged in many boxes and it often shows up with no return address. The sender is history, and she does not accept returns. Once the package is opened, you accept the gift, and you embrace the demands attached to it."

University of Connecticut:

The words of Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, held an important message for graduates. Although we are all interconnected, our strength also lies in our individualistic differences. By accepting those differences, we create spaces for ourselves and others to pursue purpose and ultimately leave an impact on the world around us.

“Sometimes your uniqueness will be viewed as a deficit. Some will try to make you believe that what sets you apart, sets you back. I am here to remind you that your so called ‘deficits’ are in fact your superpowers.”

University of Pennsylvania:

Businesswoman Laurene Powell Jobs’ address to the graduating class at the University of Pennsylvania encourages students to develop values for themselves and guiding principles that will affect their lives and professional careers. Our values shape the lens in which we view the world. As graduates begin their next chapter, their values will serve as a foundation for their growth and development and will be reflected in their decisions that will influence others.

“Your values should be like your fingerprints, proof of where you have been and what you have touched.”

Duke University:

Singer-songwriter John Legend delivered a commencement speech at Duke that touches on both love and community. The speech also highlights the importance of community and how we are interdependent. With love, we can take care of and support one another in ways that strengthen whatever community graduates become a part of in the future.

“When you feel lost in this tangled web of problems, know that in truth, the way out of it is simple. Instinctual, really. It’s love. Love should be your North Star. Let it guide you.”

“There is wisdom, strength, and power in community. You’ve learned that here at Duke. But don’t forget it as you find and build community elsewhere.”

What words of wisdom/advice do you have for the Class of 2021? Let me know in the comments!