Story: Graduation after the COVID
In June 2023, YouTube recommended the University channel to me, which had posted a commencement speech. YouTube seems to know my preferences well. I can imagine that graduating students have faced a challenging time during the COVID pandemic. I sincerely hope that all college students have been able to navigate these past two years successfully.
As we reach the first half of 2023, it’s a common tradition for me to reflect on the past six months during this graduation season. I take this opportunity to evaluate my personal growth and experiences. Subsequently, I begin contemplating and formulating plans for the upcoming six months, setting goals and envisioning the path ahead.
Recently, I am rude to practice public speaking, but I am enjoying a commencement speech. I check below.
- Content and organization,
- Engagement and Connection
- Structure and Visual Aids
- Time Management
- Audience Adaptation
- Overall Impact
AI, artificial intelligence, has been a dominant topic over the past six months. Its impact spans various industries, but I have not witnessed a complete replacement of human interaction. While AI undoubtedly enhances our productivity, it has not yet managed to motivate us in the same way humans can.
In light of this, I have a strong desire to uplift my motivation by watching commencement speeches. I believe that these speeches have the potential to inspire and rekindle my drive.
Michelle Yeoh addresses the Harvard Law School Class of 2023
©Harvard Law School
– Stay lose
– Know your limits
– Find your people
I don’t own a TV or subscribe to streaming services, which limits my opportunity to watch movies frequently. However, during the entertainment award season, I heard that the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once” received numerous accolades. It is noteworthy that Michelle Yeoh, an Asian actress, received an Oscar award. This achievement is significant in the context of gender and nationality inequality, which are hot topics in United States society. It has the potential to reshape perspectives for future generations.
Congratulations to Michelle Yeoh and the entire team involved in the film’s success!
Mark Rober Address to MIT Class of 2023
©Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
– Naive optimism
– Frame your failure
– Foster your relationship
He may famous for MIT students, but I did not know about the speaker. Ex-Apple and NASA. It sounds like already an elite engineer. He mentioned YouTube. So, I searched for his name. 24.3M subscribers. Over 100M views for popular videos. In 2023, there are many ways to introduce ourselves. YouTube is a very convenient tool if you don’t hesitate uploading videos. Go public strategically.
YouTube: Mark Rober
MIT
Lester Holt Commencement Speech 2023
©Villanova Television
I don’t feel any nervousness. He may be reading the prompter, but it sounds like talking. Professional communicator.
Lester Holt is a renowned American journalist and news anchor who has made a significant impact in the field of broadcast journalism. Born on March 8, 1959, in Marin County, California, Holt began his career in radio and gradually transitioned to television news. He has held various prominent positions throughout his career, including serving as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, one of the most-watched news programs in the United States.
Holt’s career highlights include his coverage of major events such as presidential elections, hurricanes, and international conflicts. His calm and authoritative demeanor, along with his extensive experience and journalistic integrity, have earned him widespread recognition and respect. Holt has received numerous accolades for his work, including multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding journalism. With his exceptional storytelling skills and commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased news, Lester Holt has become a trusted figure in American broadcast journalism.
YouTube: NBC News
Boston University School of Law | Commencement 2023 | Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
©School of Law, Boston University
– Little shop of horrors
– Hamilton
– American Prophet Frederick Douglass
Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson is an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
From 2010 to 2014, she was the vice chair of the United States Sentencing Commission; in 2013, President Barack Obama appointed her a district judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where she served until 2021. Since 2016, Jackson has been a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers.
She is the first Black woman and the first former federal public defender to serve on the Supreme Court.
Her word choices as a law professional are not easy to understand for me, but she used musicals which she has a passion and the audience also may be familiar is great for engaging. She mentions during the address, words matter and that the framing of issues does too. She displays it herself on the stage.
“Hope is a verb. Hope is action.” Karine Jean-Pierre’s commencement speech at Rice
©Rice University
– We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
– Change is possible if you work for it.
–
Karine Jean-Pierre, born on August 13, 1974, is an influential American political advisor who currently holds the role of White House press secretary, having assumed the position on May 13, 2022. Notably, she is the first African American and openly LGBTQ+ individual to serve in this capacity. Prior to her role as press secretary, Jean-Pierre worked as the deputy press secretary under Jen Psaki and served as the chief of staff for Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign. Jean-Pierre’s extensive experience includes positions as a senior advisor and national spokeswoman for MoveOn.org, as well as a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. She has also shared her expertise as a lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University.
While she may not be widely known outside of the United States, Karine Jean-Pierre’s story reflects the aspirations of many individuals who seek a better future for their families by immigrating to the United States. Her journey symbolizes the American dream and exemplifies the potential for a prosperous future that drives the nation forward.
Steve Wozniak’s UC Berkeley keynote speech – Spring Commencement ’23
©UC Berkeley: Light the Way
– Life is not about accomplishment, it’s about happiness.
– Don’t force your values on other people, even your own children.
– Time moves only in one direction.
Steve Wozniak, born on August 11, 1950, is an iconic figure in the world of technology and co-founder of Apple Inc. Often referred to as “The Woz,” he is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the personal computer revolution. Wozniak’s brilliance in engineering and innovation led to the development of the Apple I and Apple II computers, which played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the technology industry.
His engineering prowess and visionary thinking continue to inspire generations of innovators and entrepreneurs. Beyond his technical achievements, Wozniak is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to promoting computer education. With his profound impact on the world of technology, Steve Wozniak remains a revered and influential figure in the history of computing.
Anthony Fauci, MD, delivers WashU Medicine Commencement speech 2023
©Washington University School of Medicine
– Expected unexpected
– Embrace science and be aware of the insidious nature of anti-science
– Push back on the normalization of truth
There is controversy about his handling during the COVID pandemic. I still don’t know whether we really have to shots or not. We have to find the source of what we believe.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Makes Surprise Speech at 2023 Johns Hopkins Commencement
©Johns Hopkins University
The Russo-Ukrainian War, initially known as the Ukrainian crisis, is an ongoing international conflict that started in February 2014. It involves Russia, along with Russian-backed separatists, and Ukraine. The conflict began after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and provided support to pro-Russian separatists engaged in the Donbas war against the Ukrainian military. Over the course of eight years, the conflict has encompassed various elements such as naval incidents, cyber warfare, and increased political tensions. In February 2022, Russia initiated a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Johns Hopkins University is top 10 Universities in the United States. It is his private university and tuition for some faculties is over 60K/year. This is expensive…
Your money is not charity, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the congress. This is a tough situation if there is no common ground. There is no rational reason for this Russia’s aggression. How do we talk with them if they insist on their opinion on their logic? It is over 1 year since the war has started. Casualties are over 20K. It was unnecessary to die both party. Too much sallow. The world is still looking and we hope the end of this war as soon as possible.
2023 NYU Commencement Speaker Sanna Marin, Prime Minister of Finland
©New York University
– You have the right to one thing and one thing to change.
– Wanting is not enough. To change things, you have to take over.
– You have to stop afraid.
Sanna Marin, born on November 16, 1985, is a Finnish politician who currently serves as the Prime Minister of Finland. She made history in December 2019 when she became the world’s youngest serving prime minister at the age of 34. As a member of the Social Democratic Party, Marin has been a vocal advocate for social equality, climate action, and progressive policies. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been praised for its effective management and communication. Marin’s rise to prominence has not only broken barriers in Finnish politics but also inspired younger generations around the world. With her strong leadership and commitment to social justice, Sanna Marin continues to make a significant impact on the political landscape of Finland and beyond.
The first language is Finnish. I can imagine how hard to speak English effectively at the commencement address. I don’t judge the speech. Her accomplishment, being a prime minister at 34, is no debatably historical.
Conclusion: Variety of Background
I watched a commencement speech on YouTube that drew inspiration from several lesser-known figures outside the global spotlight, specifically in the United States. I have included some of those speeches here. However, you can also find speeches from well-known figures such as Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey, which are equally impressive. I highly recommend checking them out.
If your alma mater approached you to deliver a graduation address, what would be the focus of your speech? Do you have any notable achievements or endeavors that you take pride in? Personally, I often reflect on my accomplishments and continuously strive to push myself further.
Every year, during this season, we are exposed to commencement speeches, which serve as a milestone marking the halfway point of the year. Let’s take a moment to contemplate the past six months and the valuable lessons we have learned and applied since then, which were not within our knowledge half a year ago.
