Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Commencement Speeches for the Class of is a production of
I Heart Radio. Class of Parents, Faculty, rising graduates, Welcome
to commencement. You made it. This year is a little different,
(00:23):
a difficult time to graduate because the traditional graduation day
has been put on hold. So we're bringing it to
you wherever you are because this is still your day,
your moment, and now put your hands together. It's time
to be inspired. This year's commencement speaker the one and
only Tim McGraw. Congratulations to all the graduates out there.
(00:56):
It goes without saying that you're graduating in one of
the most unique times our history. Even though you may
not be on your college campus, your graduations continue to
happen virtually or delayed. Your diplomas will be sitting the
mail I'd handed out with a handshake, maybe by the
dean who talked to you through a rough time or
the teacher who always went the extra mile. Oh, your
(01:20):
family is cheering you on. It's from the comfort of
their home and not from the stands of an auditorium
or the bleachers of the stadium. There won't be moms, dad's, grandma's, grandpa's, sisters,
brothers and friends, all trying to spot you in a
sea of caps and gowns. They won't be standing beside
each other, hearing the same speakers, squinting into the same
(01:42):
sunshine from the same hard chairs or bleachers, or maybe
dodging that same rain store, meeting up afterwards for meal,
sharing stories and laughs, the joy of the smallment. This
situation is unique, but that is also what makes it memorable.
The entire world is thinking about you, standing behind you
(02:05):
and wanted to support you as you entered the next
phase of your journey. I can personally relate to the
situation you're in as we have two daughters graduating this year,
one from high schooling one from college. Our family joined
you in the disappointment of not being able to share
this moment in person. As a collective event, we are
(02:27):
all witnesses to your accomplishment to this important marker of
time in your life. Even though it looks different than
we all imagine, life is often different than we imagine.
Our current time is an extreme example of that. But
no matter how difficult times maybe we adapt, we innovate.
(02:48):
We figured out in the last few months, as we've
been asked to stay apart, we've also grown closer. Our
focus has shifted away from what divides us towards what
keeps us all connected. We're truly examining how we connect
with on our how we help others when the rules change,
(03:09):
how we show love when we can't touch someone or
even be there in person. How we cheer each other
on or or dry each other's tears. How we connect
with those who need it most, those who need calm
and focus, encouragement or inspiration. All this is done is
to prove what we already know, that human connection is vital.
(03:31):
As a musician and entertainer, it's always been at the
heart of everything I do. Everything I love throughout my career,
It's always been my goal to reach out and connect
with others through meets. Everything I do at home, in
the studio or on that stage, lights, sound, music, everything,
it's all done with the goal of connection. I want
(03:51):
to connect with the people in most seats to bring
us a moment we can all share together. Graduates, you
are a generation that understands community. I see in my
daughters and I see in you a passion to understand
and help others, and awareness of the bigger picture of
humanity and a willingness to show up for each other,
(04:13):
a wholly elevated level of care and attention to the
world and the footprint we make within it. We will
get back to a new normal, and as we do,
I challenge you, graduates to become leaders who guide us
with the beacon of human connection. Be innovative in your leadership.
Be the leaders who value gathering over division, empathy overdominance,
(04:38):
and love over fear. You're jumping off point into adulthood
is completely unprecedented. That's true. I believe that you are
the generation best suited for You've seen what division looks like,
and you're hunger to bring this world together. Is like Noah,
(05:02):
we need you, graduates. But everything you do, your work,
your charitable giving, your art, your inventions, your hobbies, your
unique way of solving problems in your relationships, to be
the inspiration that empowers a deeper human connection for all people.
(05:23):
Let that human connection make you better than you ever imagined.
Let it hold you up when you fall on hard times.
Let it fuel your goals, Let it bring you joy.
Let it be everyone's light in the darkness when fates
allow gather and celebrate all you've achieved and small and
large groups for a common purpose, for a greater good,
(05:44):
or just to escape and be in the moment and
swaying to the music, taken to another place in time.
To the moms and dad's out there. Good job to
the graduates. We wish you everything your heart can dream.
They're more. None of you will forget the lessons you've learned.
(06:07):
Make sure you teach others. Have faith in humanity, trust
in yourselves, be the person people can count on, and
believe there is good in everyone. When life proves you wrong,
don't stop believing. Never ever stop believing. Happy Graduation. You
(06:45):
can find a collection of incredible commencement addresses from all
your favorite speakers at the Commencement Podcast on I Heart
Radio or wherever you listen to podcasts.