USC Commencement 2017 was – to put it simply – magical.
Having witnessed my fair share of commencements over the last handful of years, let me say that USC really outdid themselves this year. Or rather, they outdid themselves in 1986 when they accepted Will Ferrell as a member of the freshman class of 1990.
The world-renowned comedian and actor circled his way back to his alma mater last week – like he does every year for various events on campus – and gave the commencement address that no member of the USC Class of 2017 will ever forget.
Here are 9 times Will Ferrell spoke to the depths of our souls at USC Commencement:
1. “As a freshman in the fall of 1986, if you were to come up to me and say that in the year 2017 you, Will Ferrell, will be delivering the commencement address for USC, I would have hugged you with tears in my eyes.
I then would have asked this person from the future, ‘Does that mean I graduated?’”
He may be a rockstar in the entertainment world now, but even he had doubts about passing Chem and ConLaw. Your future is just that: YOURS. Work for it, achieve it, seize it.
2. “So I graduate and I immediately get a job right out of college working for ESPN, right? Wrong. No, I moved right back home.”
Just like you, he packed up his dorm full of things and moseyed his way back to his childhood home without a job. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? How’s that for humbling?
3. “I was just trying to throw as many darts at the dartboard, hoping that one would eventually stick.”
You don't have to know what you want to do, but you have to be willing to try, try, and try again until you evntually figure it out. Take chances on yourself. If you don’t, who will?
4. “And yes, I was afraid. You’re never not afraid. I’m still afraid.”
You also have to face your fears. Respect them, but face them. You're stronger than they are.
5. “My definition of success is my 16-and-a-half-year marriage to my beautiful and talented wife, […] my three amazing sons, […] and my involvement in the charity Cancer for College.”
It’s not all about money. In fact, it’s rarely about money. But we always seem to somehow make it about money. Enough with the money, already.
6.” No matter how cliché it may sound you will never truly be successful until you learn to give beyond yourself. Empathy and kindness are the true signs of emotional intelligence.”
Again, not about the money. Build relationships that last and always give more than you take. It's called huMANity for a reason.
7. “Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics and you will figure it out.”
Confidence is key. And while sometimes it’s the hardest thing to have, no one knows your dreams like you do, and no one will believe and fight for those dreams like you will. So believe, fight, persist, and you will conquer.
8. “Class of 2017, I just want you to know you will never be alone on whatever path you may choose.”
I think this was Will Ferrell’s cordial and indefinite invitation to his home(s). Can I get an address with that invite?
9. "If you do have a moment where you feel a little down just think of the support you have from this great Trojan family and imagine me [...] singing this song gently into your ear" *cue Whitney Houston*
He also loves his ballads (and Whitney) as much as any good, tender soul does. And he loves his Trojan family. Dude's got his priorities straight.
Keep singing, keep shining, and keep Fighting On!
