Hey Class of 2020.
Congratulations, you made it.
>> You worked hard for it and you are truly
deserving of everything that comes with being a Boston University graduate.
>> It is without a doubt the greatest pleasure in my life
to have the opportunity to teach you.
I remember where you sit, I remember how you are, I remember
your looks in class when I say something silly, I remember how you contributed.
>> It is a big deal to finish a college degree and
especially big deal during these very challenging times.
>> I'll offer you all the same advice that my parents offered me,
which was whatever you do, if you're a journalist,
if you're a doctor, if you're a plumber, whatever you do, do good in the world.
Do the right thing and do it well.
And that's what we need from you.
>> Life is not a straight forward path, there are twists and turns and bumps.
I think each one of those turns and each one of those unexpected bumps that you
encounter along the way, builds character, builds resilience.
>> Don't panic, if your first job out of college is not your dream job.
It's still a great chance for you to figure out what you really want to do.
>> Be happy for other people's success even if
you personally maybe aren't experiencing the same success.
>> Dream as richly as you can, as wildly as you can.
>> Know that you won't have all the answers,
you won't have it all figured out, and that that's a part of the process.
>> You are going to make mistakes.
That's okay.
That is life.
That's how we grow.
>> Learning to be an adult is an ongoing process but
I think you will figure it out very quickly once you're out of college.
>> Here's my lightning round of advice tips for you.
One, get a dog.
>> Pay your cell phone bill.
Do not forget to pay your taxes.
>> Over tip.
Eat dessert.
>> Don't spend your money all at once.
Please start saving.
>> Delete your old tweets.
That's a big one.
You know which tweets I'm talking about.
>> And it's never too early to start a retirement account.
>> And learn how to apologize and don't be afraid to do it.
That's my lightning round of advice tips.
>> Hold on tight to those close friends that you made in college.
They're going to grow up to be your colleagues,
the people that you call in a crisis, in an emergency.
You're going to become parents together, you're going to go through personal and
professional crises together.
>> Look people in the eye when you are walking down the streets or see people,
smile, acknowledge the fact that we are part of the same community,
we live on the same planet.
>> And, if you can every day, even if it's small, do something for
your neighborhood, your community, or for the world.
>> Think about as many other people as you can.
Right now, people are living very different pandemics based on their income,
based on their faith, and you name it.
Take whatever your chosen profession is and
turn it into an opportunity to help others.
>> Find some way to ritualize this transition.
Celebrate yourself, celebrate your families, celebrate your friends, and
everybody who's helped to bring you to this moment.
>> Raise a glass, hug a family member, do whatever you need to do to make sure that
you know you deserve this moment, >> You're taking in everything
we've offered over these four years, and now you're one of us.
What I always tell my students is I stopped being Professor Zuckoff,
I'm now Mitch.
And we give you these gowns,
so these imaginary gowns in a year like this for a reason,
because you have ascended to a point where you now have everything to offer.
>> If you look at any generation, any graduating class who's faced intense
adversity, it is that class, it is those individuals who not only have risen to
the occasion but have assumed positions of leadership in the future.
>> Truly, truly, truly, I believe that when things slowly get back to normal,
you will bring all of your wonderful talents and amazing abilities and
your excellent education from Boston University out into the world.
We need your magic now.
>> Class of 2020, I don't want to say goodbye.
I want to say see you soon.
We're gonna get back together, we're gonna connect again.
I don't wanna let go of you all, you're a special group on so many levels.
>> Thank you.
I appreciate everything you've done for us and I love you.
>> Congratulations.
>> Congratulations, Class of 2020.
>> See you soon.
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