Capped, gowned and ready to strike out into the big ol’ world, students graduating from colleges and universities this spring will be given some words of life advice by sundry commencement speakers before picking up their diplomas.
Some of this advice will be terrible. But some will be fantastic, like that dished out by comedian Amy Poehler to Harvard’s graduating class this week.
“I cannot stress enough that the answer to life’s questions is often in people’s faces. Try putting your iPhones down once in a while, and look in people’s faces. People’s faces will tell you amazing things. Like if they are angry, or nauseous or asleep,” she said.
Among other choice nuggets are a few words on not being a selfish, little jerk. “As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
Ms. Poehler also opined on the importance of not treating your heart like an action figure.
“Try to keep your mind open to possibilities and your mouth closed on matters that you don't know about. Limit your ‘always’ and your ‘nevers.’ Continue to share your heart with people even if it has been broken. Don’t treat your heart like an action figure wrapped in plastic and never used. And don't try to give me that nerd argument that your heart is a Batman with a limited-edition silver bat-erang and therefore if it stays in its original packing it increases in value.”
Harvard has done especially well when it comes to scoring comedians to speak at commencement. Will Ferrell talked to grads in 2003: “As you set off into the world, don’t be afraid to question your leaders. But don’t ask too many questions at one time or that are too hard because your leaders get tired and/or cranky.” he said.
And 2000, alumnus Conan O’Brien returned. “I remember well the great uncertainty,” of graduation day, he said. “Your education is yours to keep forever.”
Even if you're not picking up a diploma, it's advice worth listening to.
