Good morning/day, graduates of [University Name] Class of [Year]!
Let me start by saying what an absolute honor it is to be here, addressing a room full of bright, eager faces, ready to take on the world — or at least that’s what your parents are hoping, given the amount they’ve spent on your education. But fear not, for today, I bring you a message of hope, wisdom, and, most importantly, humor.
Also…
relax today; it’s your day enjoy it; relax but don’t go to sleep because tomorrow the real final exams start then; they’ll ’go on for the rest of your lives
— Lee Iacocca, 1985 MIT
Finally, in case you’ll want to take a nap for the next 20 minutes or skip all the fluff, here is the ending to this speech right now:
I’m gonna tell you to go out and change the world that’s my duty right that’s what every commencement speaker says and every graduating class just sits there hoping s/he’ll be brief so they can go uncork the champagne but musing to themselves if the world had to be changed why in the hell didn’t he do it…-
Ibid.
The Journey Ahead
First off, let’s talk about the future. Ah, the future — a nebulous concept that fills us with equal parts excitement and dread. It’s like opening a bag of mixed nuts and wondering if you’ll get a delicious cashew or a disappointing Brazil nut. But here’s the thing: Your future is not set in stone. It’s more like wet cement — malleable, and, if you’re not careful, you might step in it and ruin your favorite shoes.
Embrace Your Curiosity
As you venture out into the world, embrace your curiosity. Ask questions, seek knowledge, and never stop learning. In the immortal words of Douglas Adams, whom I’m shamelessly paraphrasing, “Don’t Panic.” Curiosity is the engine of progress. Without it, we’d still be living in caves, probably arguing over who has the best fire-starting technique.
The Power of Creativity
Creativity is your secret weapon. It’s the ability to look at the world not as it is, but as it could be. Remember, the most groundbreaking ideas often come from the most unexpected places. Who would have thought that the guy who invented the Snuggie — essentially a backward bathrobe — would create a cultural phenomenon? Embrace your inner innovator and don’t be afraid to think outside the box — or in this case, outside the blanket.
Communication is Key
Now, let’s talk about communication. In an age where we’re more connected than ever, genuine communication is a rare commodity. Don’t rely solely on emojis and GIFs to express your feelings. Sure, a well-timed cat meme can work wonders, but there’s nothing like a heartfelt conversation. Speak clearly, listen intently, and remember that the best communicators are often the best listeners.
Character Matters
Character is what you do when no one is watching. It’s easy to be ethical when there’s a spotlight on you, but true integrity is shown in the shadows. Be honest, be kind, and always strive to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Because at the end of the day, your character is what people will remember you by — not your GPA or your LinkedIn endorsements.
Courage and Conviction
Have the courage to follow your convictions. The world needs more people who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. Whether it’s fighting for social justice, advocating for climate change, or simply standing up to that guy who always cuts in line at Starbucks — your voice matters. Use it wisely and bravely.
Charisma and Common Sense
Charisma can open doors, but common sense will keep you from walking into them. Be charming, but also be practical. A good sense of humor and a dose of reality can take you far. And remember, it’s okay to laugh at yourself. Life is far too absurd to take too seriously.
Crisis
Lastly, let’s talk about crises. They will happen — unexpected, unwelcome, and unavoidable. But here’s the silver lining: Crises are opportunities in disguise. They force us to adapt, to innovate, and to grow. So, when life hands you lemons, don’t just make lemonade — make a lemon meringue pie and show life that you can handle anything it throws at you.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dear graduates, the world you’re stepping into is both wonderful and weird, full of challenges and opportunities. Embrace it with open arms and a skeptical eye. Be curious, be creative, communicate well, and carry your character with pride. Have the courage to stand by your convictions, use your charisma wisely, and never forget the power of common sense.
And if all else fails, just remember this: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has two very important words on its cover — Don’t Panic. You’ve got this.
Thank you, cheers, and saluti!
Bibliography
- Adams, D. (1979). *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*. Pan Books.
- - Iacocca, L. (2007). *Where Have All the Leaders Gone?*. Scribner.
- - Iacocca, L. (1986). *Iacocca: An Autobiography*. Bantam Books.
- - Kotter, J. P. (1996). *Leading Change*. Harvard Business Review Press.
- - Christensen, C. M. (1997). *The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail*. Harvard Business Review Press.
- [Harvard Business Review on Leading Change](https://hbr.org/1996/01/leading-change-why-transformation-efforts-fail)
- - [Lee Iacocca’s Legacy at Chrysler](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/03/business/lee-iacocca-chrysler.html)
- - [The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen](https://www.claytonchristensen.com/key-concepts)
