Commencement Speech to the Class of 2014

Introduction

• Speaker: A Navy SEAL veteran, alumnus of UT.
• Occasion: Graduation ceremony for the class of 2014.
• Personal anecdote: Graduated 37 years ago, does not remember his commencement speaker, aims to make this speech memorable or at least short.

Main Message

• University Motto: "What starts here changes the world."
• Impact Potential: Changing the lives of just 10 people can snowball to influence 800 million in five generations.
• Personal Stories: Examples from military experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan illustrate how individual actions can save lives and create ripple effects.

Key Lessons from SEAL Training

1. Make Your Bed: Start each day with a completed task to build momentum and reinforce the importance of doing small things right.

2. Find Someone to Help You Paddle: Collaboration is crucial; success requires the support of others.

3. Judge by the Heart: Measure people by their will and determination, not superficial traits.

4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie: Life isn’t fair, and sometimes efforts go unrecognized. Keep moving forward regardless.

5. Don’t Fear Circuses: Failures and additional challenges ("circuses") build resilience and strength over time.

6. Slide Down Obstacles Head First: Sometimes taking risks and unconventional approaches leads to success.

7. Don’t Back Down from Sharks: Face fears and confront challenges head-on.

8. Be Your Best in Darkest Moments: True character emerges in challenging times.

9. Sing in the Mud: Hope is powerful. One person can inspire others through hope, akin to historical figures.

10. Never Ring the Bell: Perseverance is key. Don’t give up in the face of difficulty.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: The class of 2014 has the potential to affect 800 million lives.
• Final Encouragement: Start with small tasks, embrace collaboration, respect everyone, accept life’s unfairness, take risks, stand up against adversity, uplift others, and never give up.
• Final Words: "Hook 'em horns."