Graduation Speech Summary

Key Quotes:

• Nelson Mandela: "There is no passion to be found playing small in settling for a life that’s less than the one you’re capable of living."
• On Taking Risks: "If I’m going to fall, I don’t want to fall back on anything. I want to fall forward."

Main Ideas:

• Importance of Taking Risks:

  • Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks.
  • Don’t be afraid to fail; it’s a part of growth.
  • Every failure is a step closer to success.

• Dreams vs. Goals:

  • Remember that dreams without goals are just dreams.
  • Example: Reggie Jackson struck out 2600 times but is remembered for his home runs.

Personal Anecdotes:

• Thomas Edison:

  • Conducted 1000 failed experiments before inventing the light bulb.

• Career in Acting:

  • Failed numerous auditions early in his career but did not give up.
  • Eventually succeeded in a Broadway play 30 years after failing his first audition.

Life Lessons:

• Embrace failure, as it is inevitable and part of the journey.
• The Ghosts of Unfulfilled Potential:
  • Imagine the regrets and missed opportunities that could haunt you later in life.

Call to Action:

• Help the world and give everything you’ve got, whether it’s your time, talent, or resources.
• Whatever your strengths are, consider how to use them for the greater good.

Personal Journey:

• He started as a pre-med student but struggled and changed paths multiple times before finding success.
• A prophecy from an elder predicted he would travel and speak to millions.

Final Thoughts:

• You must be open to risks, ideas, and people.
• Embrace challenges and never hold back.
• "Fall forward" through life’s ups and downs.