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5 college Commencement Speeches Every Graduate Should Watch

Sometimes celebrity guest speakers give the best advice.

Jun 11, 2018

Cleveland State University

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5 college Commencement Speeches Every Graduate Should Watch

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It's June, which means we've once again found ourselves in the midst of the chaotic graduation season. There are ceremonies to be attended and every weekend is booked solid with graduation parties. For all of you graduates, whether you've just finished college or high school, I'm sure everyone has chipped in with their two cents of advice and wise words. While many people, especially speakers at graduation, tend to repeat the same advice over and over, I've found five college commencement speeches given by celebrities that offer up bits of unconventional wisdom. Whether you're struggling with "what's next?" or you just need a little bit of post-schooling inspiration, these speeches are ones that should be watched by everyone ready to start a new chapter.

1. Oprah Winfrey - Harvard University

She addressed the Harvard University class of 2013 with the exact amount of poise and elegance one would expect from Oprah Winfrey. Any advice given to you by Oprah has to be great advice, right?

Memorable line: "So whether you call it soul or spirit or higher self, intelligence, there is I know this, there is a light inside each of you, all of us, that illuminates your very human beingness if you let it."

2. Will Ferrell - University of Southern California

Upon clicking this video, I wholeheartedly expected a corny speech full of jokes and impressions. After all, that's what Will Ferrell is known for. But I was pleasantly surprised that his speech had a serious tone and he gave undoubtedly good advice about life after school.

Memorable line: "Enjoy the process of your search, without succumbing to the pressure of your results."

3. John Green - Kenyon College

John Green is a brilliant author, so I had no doubts that his speech to the Kenyon College class of 2016 would be thoughtful and poetic. He kept it short and sweet and stressed the importance of love and kindness within education.

Memorable line: "Love is not like mass or energy — it is not conserved…. You will forget a lot but you will not forget the kindness and generosity of those who were kinder and more generous than they needed to be."

4. J.K. Rowling - Harvard University

Seeing as this is the woman whose mind crafted the incredible "Harry Potter" series, it's not a surprise that she also crafted an inspiring commencement address. As an expert in the creation of fictional characters, she encouraged the students to rely on their imaginations when times get tough.

Memorable line: "What is more, those who choose not to empathize enable real monsters. For without ever committing an act of outright evil ourselves, we collude with it, through our own apathy."

5. Chance the Rapper - Dillard University

In his address, given this year, Chance the Rapper spoke with an abundance of enthusiasm. What I love most about this speech, is that you can see how passionate he is and how much he wants these graduates to succeed. He references many music icons and delivers amazing advice about going above and beyond.

Memorable line: "We have to overcome the fear and be greater than our role models. We have to erase the fear and stigma behind eclipsing our heroes."

There you have it. Five of the most helpful and most inspiring commencement speeches that I've come across. Whatever worries you have about the future, hopefully, you can find some words of wisdom in the videos above. After all, what's more reliable than advice from celebrities?

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