Hello class of 2021.
We are so proud of you, >> My seniors, my early graduates,
my super seniors, my grad students.
>> I am amazed at what you all have been able to accomplish this past year.
>> Congratulations, this is a big deal.
>> I have been asked what parting advice do I have for the class of 2021.
>> I just wanna share a few words of advice,
starting with never be afraid to dream big, and to believe in yourself.
I know it's cliche, but you really are our future.
>> You know the world needs you, and the world's been waiting for you.
>> I have learned from you to let you lead.
>> So this is a wild year to be graduating.
One bit of advice that I was given when graduating that I really took to heart
was to answer the existential question, what am I doing with my life?
The answer was I have no idea, and that's very okay.
>> So I always recommend, think about Tuesday.
People have problems with Monday, for some reason Monday gets a bad rap.
But think about what do you wanna do on a Tuesday?
Do you wanna go into an office?
Do you wanna be running the meeting?
And thinking about that Tuesday, really sets you up for enjoying every day.
>> Set an intention for your life.
An intention that speaks to your deepest heart.
>> Never stop discovering yourself.
Always keep soul searching.
>> Never tell yourself no.
When you're scared, when you're fearful or
afraid of something, move towards that fear.
Don't run away from it.
Because you will find amazing things on the other side of your own courage.
>> Even if you know what your passion is, and
let's say you get a job, if that passion or those dreams change, that's okay.
You can change what you love and still be the person that you were before.
>> Listen.
Listen well. Listen to others who may not share the same experiences,
and backgrounds as you.
>> Try to make sure that helping others is a really important part of your life.
>> I think being an ally is one of the most rewarding and important things that
we can do, and your education at BU has equipped you to be an ally.
>> So I hope that as part of your journey,
that you think critically about what you can do to make a more socially just world.
>> But the only way to do good for other people is to take care of yourself first.
>> Take a deep breath and try to enjoy life as much as possible,
even in these times of great uncertainty.
>> If I had one thing I would like to say to you,
it would be don't listen to old,
bald, [LAUGH] backward-thinking people.
Old doesn't mean wise, old means old.
>> Use your voice, your power, and your magic for good.
>> Make sure to also give yourself enough time and
enough space to nurture the relationships in your life.
>> Really ask yourself like who's important to me?
And can I orient my life around spending time with those folks, with bringing some
value to their life, because they bring value to my life.
>> And lastly, get a cat... or a dog.
>> And now it's enough of your life lessons, and
just go and celebrate, enjoy the moment.
And this moment is pure happiness.
>> Take this moment to be really proud of yourself, and to celebrate yourself
and your peers.
>> Your class, and the current students at BU,
have taught me more than I could have ever taught you.
>> You are seriously such amazing and inspiring students.
>> It is an incredible privilege for
professors like me to be able to hang out with you, and teach you and mentor you.
>> I live to see my students do well, and I really,
really live to see a student who is struggling, make it to the finish line.
>> And I know I will be crying on Commencement day,
even if I pretend that I'm not.
>> I am so proud of all of you.
But more importantly, you all should be incredibly proud of yourself.
>> I know you have everything it takes for success, and I just wish you all the best.
>> Congratulations, Class of 2021.
>> Congratulations.
>> Well wishes, Namaste.
>> And go get them, Terriers.