I think anyone would agree that a graduation ceremony is a much-awaited part of the life of a student. Mainly because it is a milestone, proof that a student has leveled up in terms of knowledge.
For many, it is considered a stepping stone for them to be eligible to find a job in their chosen degree. For parents, it is a dream come true witnessing their child walk up the stage to receive their diploma.
It is also a new beginning for others because, after so many years of burning that midnight oil, they are now stepping outside of the classroom and ready to face the real-life outside of the learning institution.
Aside from receiving the certificates, I think another awaited part is the inspiring graduation speeches that are often delivered by successful people. Why? Because it will leave a lasting impression for the newly graduates. It will also give them an idea to continue pursuing their dreams despite encountering setbacks.
In many instances, the person who delivers the graduation speech has the same alma mater as the graduates. They are mostly successful in their chosen field. Sometimes, they are holding a prominent position in the government.
To give you an idea, the speaker may be a successful doctor, renowned engineer, teacher, actor, artist, film director, best selling author, Governor, or Mayor who graduated from the same institution.
I have here the Top 5 graduation speeches from prominent people in the world. For sure you know them it’s just that you might have not heard them share their stories about their mind setting, life, and career. I should say that these are the people who are living as an example and who shape the world of today.
Top 5 Inspiring Graduation Speeches of All Time
The list is composed of a popular talk-show host, CEOs of technology companies, writers, and film producers.
Top 1: Steve Jobs Graduation Speech at Stanford University in 2005
On top of my list is the speech of Steve Jobs at Stanford University 2005.
Quote from the Video:
“Remembering you’re going to die, is the best way I know, to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs, co-Founder of Apple Computer, investor, and Business Magnate.
Top 2: JK Rowling Graduation Speech at Harvard in 2008
Quote from the Video:
“You might never fail on the scale I did. But some failure in life is inevitable.
It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all. In which case, you fail by default.” – JK Rowling, a British author, screenwriter, and Philanthropist.
Top 3: Larry Page Commencement Speech at the University of Michigan in 2009
Quote from the Video:
“I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition.
There are so few people this crazy that I feel like I know them all by first name. They all travel as if they are pack dogs and stick to each other like glue. The best people want to work the big challenges.” – Larry Page, Co-Founder of Google, and Internet Entrepreneur.
Top 4: Bill Gates Commencement Address at Harvard University in 2007
Quote from the Video:
“If you believe that every life has equal value, it’s revolting to learn that some lives are seen as worth saving and others are not.
We said to ourselves: “This can’t be true. But if it is true, it deserves to be the priority of our giving.” ” – Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft Corporation and Business Magnate.
Top 5: Oprah Winfrey Graduation Speech at Stanford University in 2008
Quote from the Video:
“I consider the world, this Earth, to be like a school. And our life, the classrooms, and sometimes on this planet Earth school, the lessons often come dressed up as detours, or roadblocks, and sometimes, as full-blown crises.
And the secret I’ve learned to getting ahead, is being open to the lessons – lessons from the grandest universe of all, that is the universe itself.” – Oprah Winfrey, an American Talk Show Host
Top 6: Isko Moreno Commencement Address at Emilio Aguinaldo College in 2019
If you are from the Philippines, you should watch this inspirational graduation speech of Mayor Isko Moreno at the commencement exercise of Emilio Aguinaldo College in June 2019. This commencement speech is in Tagalog.
Quote from the video:
“Sabi ko sa inyo eh mag pursige kayo, people will notice eh.”
“Here comes the principle in my life also. He who asks questions is a fool for that moment. He who does not is a fool forever. Confucious said not me.”
“Same attitude same mindset, wala naman mawawala sa atin. Just keep on trying.”
“Sometimes talagang it pays to be patient and persevere.”
“Kung nangyari sa akin, pwede rin mangyari sa inyo. Wala ng imposible.”
“Stumbling blocks ginagamit yan na hangdanan pataas.”
“Don’t be afraid to fail.” I would rather fail by doing something than fail by not doing anything. Hindi ko saying yon ha!”
*got these top graduation speeches from somewhere
