We all have those times when we’re down on life. As we listen to peers map out their resumes, as our GPAs hang in question and as our after-college plans pester us like a relentless mother, we find ourselves more and more anxious with each passing day. This is called the quarter-life crisis. Alternatively referred to as an existential crisis, it’s a time where everything you were once sure of begins to fall into question thanks to the demands of an institutionalized education meeting the "real" world. But hey, we’ve all been there. And by “we” I'm not only referring to our generation, but every individual — young and old — that you know.

What can you remind yourself of this simple fact when the crisis alarms sound? Personally, I turn to college commencement addresses. ... Yes I watch them in my free time. It’s my guilty pleasure, but a productive one, I promise. If you’re questioning anything in your life, I assure you you’ll find some solace in at least one part of each of the following addresses. The following six speakers were chosen because I think they say it best, whatever that it may be for you.

Disclaimer: Muddle through the initial awkward introductions, it will be worth it to hear their conclusions.

1. For being swept up: J.K. Rowling at Harvard University, Class of 2008

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Your intelligence, your capacity for hard work, the education you have earned and received, give you unique status and unique responsibilities. ... Even your nationality sets you apart. The great majority of you belong to the world’s only remaining super power. The way you vote, the way you live, the way you protest, the pressure you bring to bear on your government, has an impact way beyond your borders. — J.K. Rowling

2. For witty inspiration: Kerry Washington at George Washington University, Class of 2013

You can look at all that you have accomplished today and use it as fuel to venture forth and write your own story. If you do, amazing things will take shape. — Kerry Washington

3. For wisdom coupled with a laugh so hard it will make you cry: Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth University, Class of 2011

There are few things more liberating, in this life, than having your worst fear realized. — Conan O'Brien

4. For a worldly perspective: Bill Clinton at NYU, Class of 2011

You should strive to find happiness every day, and not believe it comes at the end of a journey. — Bill Clinton

5. For an ironic, yet moving, perspective: Steve Jobs at Stanford, Class of 2006

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Death is very likely the single best invention of life; it’s life’s change agent. ... Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. ... Have the courage to follow your heart and own intuition; they somehow already know what you truly want to become. — Steve Jobs

6. For a good laugh and simple lesson: Ellen DeGeneres at Tulane University, Class of 1999

Life is like one big Mardi Gras. But instead of showing people your boobs, show people your brain. And if they like what they see, you’ll have more beads than you’ll know what to do with. And you’ll be drunk, most of the time. — Ellen DeGeneres