Inspiring Commencement Speech Insights

Sep 24, 2024

Commencement Speech Notes

Introduction

  • Speaker thanks President Powers, Provost Fenves, deans, faculty, family, friends, and the Class of 2014.
  • Speaker reflects on their own graduation from UT almost 37 years ago.
  • Acknowledges not remembering the previous commencement speaker or their speech.

Theme: "What Starts Here Changes the World"

  • Speaker appreciates the university slogan.
  • Statistics: 8,000 graduates
  • If each graduate changes the lives of 10 people, it could lead to changing 800 million lives in 5 generations.
  • Suggestion that every action can have a ripple effect.
  • Personal anecdotes from military service illustrating how one decision can save lives and alter futures.

Suggestions for Changing the World

General Philosophy

  • Anyone can change the world, regardless of background, gender, or orientation.
  • The importance of shared struggles and lessons learned.

10 Lessons from Navy SEAL Training

  1. Make Your Bed
    • Completing simple tasks gives a sense of pride and motivates to accomplish more.
    • Highlights the importance of attention to detail.
  2. Work as a Team
    • Everyone must contribute to succeed; you cannot change the world alone.
  3. Measure by Heart, Not Size
    • Success depends on willpower, not background or physical attributes.
  4. Embrace Imperfection
    • Prepare to fail; sometimes efforts will go unappreciated.
    • Don’t let failures discourage you.
  5. Learn from Failures
    • Life will include challenges; embrace them to build resilience.
  6. Take Risks
    • Sometimes, to succeed, you must take unorthodox approaches.
  7. Face Your Fears
    • Don’t back down from challenges (e.g., dealing with sharks during night swims).
  8. Stay Calm Under Pressure
    • In dark moments, maintain composure and focus to achieve your goals.
  9. Find Strength in Community
    • The power of shared hope can uplift and motivate in difficult times.
  10. Never Give Up
  • Symbolized by the brass bell; quitting is not an option.

Conclusion

  • Speaker encourages graduates to start their journey by making a difference.
  • Emphasizes the potential impact they can have in the world.
  • Final encouragement to face challenges and never give up.
  • Ends with a call to action: "Hook them horns."