“There’s an old saying that not all those who wander are lost. And they’re not. I’m a firm believer that your journey is your own, and that there’s nothing wrong with taking the winding road. You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed to make strides. Navigating without giving up is how you turn setbacks into opportunities for success. Navigating without giving up is how you begin building a life that is truly worthy of all of your hard work.”

“I find myself tonight in one of my favorite places– in the company of extraordinary women and those who admire them. I can see clearly that each of you, over the course of your careers, has had the courage to do something that doesn’t come easily to most. In a world of followers, you’ve managed to run your own race. Which is why I want to share with you the story of another brave trailblazer, one from a place and time unlike this one.”

“Keep your hearts open to making connections and being present with each other. Share joy or amplify it. “Support” is a verb, so give the gift of your attention to someone who is struggling. Seek out serendipitous encounters. The time that you spend outside the classroom may be just as meaningful as the time you spend within it, because what you will be building is a caring and connected community that will enrich your lives for decades to come.”