11 Inspirational Graduation Speech Quotes

Best words of wisdom to motivate you to move forward.

Michelle Obama @ Dillard University (2014) - “You all have opportunities and skills and education that so many folks who came before you never could have dreamed of. So just imagine the kind of impact that you're going to make. Imagine how you can inspire those around you to reach higher and complete their own education.”   (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Shonda Rhimes @ Dartmouth College (2014) - “Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer. Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you're paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn't matter. You don't have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new. It doesn't have to fit your vision of the perfect job or the perfect life. Perfect is boring and dreams are not real. Just ... do.”  (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Christian Louboutin @ Fashion Institute of Technology (2014) - “Speak up and take risks. What's the worst that can happen? You'll learn something that you didn't know before. Ask a lot of questions. Don't be afraid. Calmly give your opinions — don't wait to be asked. For me, it wasn't that I was confident; I wasn't. I was just really naive. I never thought it wouldn't work. I still don't think my crazy ideas won't work, and if they don't work, oh well. I'll do something else.”   (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Wynton Marsalis @ The University of Vermont (2013) - “It’s harder to build than destroy. To build is to engage and change. In jazz, we call progressing harmonies changes. Changes are like obstacles on a speed course. They demand your attention and require you to be present. They are coming...they are here…and then they are gone. It’s how life comes. Each moment is a procession from the future into the past and the sweet spot is always the present. Live in that sweet spot. Be present.”   (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)President Barack Obama @ Barnard College (2012) - “But how far your leadership takes this country, how far it takes this world — well, that will be up to you. You’ve got to want it. It will not be handed to you…. Don’t just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.”   (Photo: EPA/PETER FOLEY /LANDOV)

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Shonda Rhimes @ Dartmouth College (2014) - “Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer. Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you're paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn't matter. You don't have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new. It doesn't have to fit your vision of the perfect job or the perfect life. Perfect is boring and dreams are not real. Just ... do.” (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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