9 Comments

Waves of tears. My mum never wanted to come to my graduation but my daughter was by my side. We ate cake from my hat. I couldn't afford new shoes for either of us but we had comfy shoes and nice dresses and we danced. I still feel sad she didn't come up on the stage with me but I was told she couldn't because H&S. Don't see how that's healthy to not make a little six year olds wish come true because she transitioned from something as well. I don't recall any speeches just her smile. It was from her heart to mine and that made my day!

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I love your speech, Brad! It was poignant, honest, and full of wisdom. Something I saved and will watch again.

Here’s one of my favorite commencement speeches by Tim Minchin:

https://youtu.be/yoEezZD71sc

“You can’t be Kant and don’t want to be.”

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So beautiful, your speech moved me to tears!

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I'm four days post-master's graduation and already spiraling with imposter syndrome. Needed these reminders, especially that all any of us can do is show up. Thank you! ❤️

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I really enjoyed this piece, it was funny and humble.

The only comment speech I can remember is David Foster Wallace’s “Is this water?”

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Abby Wambach, Chadwick Boseman, Denzel Washington - top three!!!

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Hi! I show your graduation speech at the end of school every year to my students, and they cry and I cry. You’re the best!

Question: Are the zooms recorded? I’m asking because I’m sure it’s something I would l like to be able to revisit when it’s over, as I have a tendency to panic in the moment or would like to just be able to revisit what was said.

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Ashley, wow! It means so much to know that this is something you share with the students. Honored! I'm sure they love having a teacher like you in their paths. On the zooms: it can absolutely be recorded. Just make a note of it if you sign up. (Someone else actually just requested the same thing) I will record and send the download after. Thank you!

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