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."