12 Inspirational Quotes for New Graduates

12 Inspirational Quotes for New Grads

Read these indelible words of wisdom from artists presidents Oprah and more

Slaven Vlasic, Craig Barritt and CBS Photo Archive Soledad O'Brien, Toni Morrison and Stephen Colbert From caps and gowns to , graduation season is a time of traditions — and a time when words of wisdom are being dispensed at virtual and in-person commencement ceremonies across the country. But good advice doesn't have to be limited to the podium, says Laya Saul, author of You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way, an advice book for teens. For older adults wondering how to best offer their children or grandchildren , Saul recommends taking what she calls a “heart-centered” approach: Make sure the person you're talking to knows that you care about them, and offer up your advice sincerely and attentively. “The idea isn't to lecture,” she says, “but to share." Other tips? Ask for permission before sharing your thoughts, she says, and don't be afraid to reveal the struggles or imperfections you've overcome in your own life — honesty can mean the difference between heartfelt guidance and platitudes. If you still need a little help finding the perfect advice for a new grad in your life, consider the following words of wisdom from notable figures. You might even find their advice inspires you, too. of What really matters to you? The fact that you're alive means you've been given a reprieve to think deeply about that question. How will you use what matters in service to yourself, your community and the world? — Oprah Winfrey in an address for the event #Graduation 2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020 of Any standards worth having will be a challenge to meet. And most of the time, you will fall short. But what is nice about having your own set of standards is that from now on, you fill out your own report card. … You have the power. You are your own professor now. — Stephen Colbert at Wake Forest University, 2015 of Do seek out and listen to other people. Try to hear them. I have made a career of that and it has been rewarding mostly because when you seek to listen, you can make a huge impact. — Soledad O'Brien at the University of Delaware, 2012 of Despite difficulties, always keep optimism. ‘I can overcome these difficulties.’ That mental attitude itself will bring inner strength and self-confidence. — The Dalai Lama at Tulane University, 2013 of Whatever you want to do, just do it. Don't worry about making a damn fool of yourself. Making a damn fool of yourself is absolutely essential. And you will have a great time. — Gloria Steinem at Tufts University, 1987 of When you hear of a person or a group being persecuted, do not stand idly by. When there is something wrong in the community around you — or far way — do not stand idly by. You must intervene. — Elie Wiesel (who died in 2016) at Dartmouth College, 2006 of Society tries to define us and tries to limit us. So I would say, do not listen to that, ignore all of that, and believe in yourself. — Malala Yousafzai, speaking in the 2020 graduation episode of the web series Some Good News of Define your missions positively. ... When John Kennedy talked of sending a man to the moon, he didn't say, “We want to avoid getting stranded on this planet.” He said, “We'll send a man to the moon." — President George H.W. Bush (who died in 2018) at the University of Michigan, 1991 of Don't let your fears overwhelm your desire. Let the barriers you face — and there will be barriers — be external, not internal. — Sheryl Sandberg at Barnard College, 2011 of Understand that your success in life won't be determined just by what's given to you, or what happens to you, but by what you do with all that's given to you; what you do with all that happens to you; how hard you try; how far you push yourself; how high you're willing to reach. — President Barack Obama at Kalamazoo Central High School, 2010 of The world doesn't care how many times you fall down, as long as it's one fewer than the number of times you get back up. — Aaron Sorkin at Syracuse University, 2012 of From my point of view, which is that of a storyteller, I see your life as already artful, waiting, just waiting and ready for you to make it art. — Toni Morrison (who died in 2019) at Wellesley College, 2004

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