Below is my Graduation Address. (I will miss the c/o 2010 so much!)
Also the webcast is
here but you have to fastforward a bit.
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Good morning Class of 2010, and Congratulations!
I am so honored to be able to speak to each of you one last time, before we all officially exit MIT, and enter the world of adulthood.
A few months ago, when they asked me to deliver a short address at Commencement (and they emphasized the word ‘short’ many times) I was left wondering what I could possibly say a group of the most impressive individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing over my 22 years.
Luckily, a month or so ago, a friend of mine sent me a link to the old 2010 admissions website. For those who don’t remember, this is where each MIT incoming class is allowed to blog about how it feels getting into MIT, and making the decision to come here for college. As I sat, re-reading these for the first time since the Spring of 2006, it made me smile to hear the younger versions of people I now know, and in particular, hear how excited they all were about MIT.
One in particular stood out to me. It was posted by a friend of mine, that I won’t embarrass…. but her name is Elizabeth Kim, she’s Course 15 and (sitting right about there):
(she said) ‘MIT is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I came home Monday night and did not at ALL expect to see the TUBE. However, (she wrote in all caps) MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.’
I could do nothing but smile. For those who know Elizabeth, it is a rare occasion these days to hear her this excited when talking about MIT. Though, after four years of most of us working harder and sleeping less than we ever thought possible, she is far from in the minority.
Somewhere along the way, MIT students quickly become jaded. We forget how excited we were to open our acceptance letters, and finally decide that MIT was the place for us. Too often do we forget how truly blessed we are to be here, at such an amazing university, around such amazing individuals, and in a city that has so much to offer, as Boston. Too often do we lose track of what once made us speak so passionately about coming here.
Which leads me to the three most important things ever said to me over my four years at MIT. And I’d like to share each with all of you as my peers, and as my friends:
1. ‘Pick your Passion. Be the best at it.’
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them. Whether your passion is in research, service, business… or even dancing, acting, or singing… pick one thing to be the best at, and own it. Too often do MIT students do a decent job at a million things, instead of choosing to be excellent at one or two.
2. ‘Be a Leader. Be empathetic. Lead through example.’
Be inspirational; be compassionate. The most successful leaders work their best to help all those around them succeed. The term ‘empathetic leadership’ is one that I had never heard used until recently, but that perfectly describes the type of leadership that I find makes the most effective leaders. Thus, I challenge all of you to be empathetic leaders in whatever path you choose to pursue.
*The third piece of advice may seem obvious, but it is something we often forget at MIT.
3. ‘Take time to enjoy the little things life has to offer.’
Travel; Experience the world. Take time to try new restaurants. And above all else, find a time to GO SKYDIVING! But most importantly, make time for your friends. Make time for your family. *And don’t forget to tell your mom your love her on Mother’s Day.
These are the three pieces of advice that I have chosen to live by over the past four years, and have since achieved much peace of mind. Thus, I thought I’d share them with all of you today, in hopes that you too could benefit from hearing at least one thing that I have to say.
Now for the fun part!
Can all the seniors please take a look at your brass rat, and say to yourself ‘I’ve been waiting four years for this?’ Because I know that you all definitely have.
My fellow members of the MIT Class of 2010, please join me in reversing your Brass Rats!
Congratulations, seniors! We are finally graduating!
Now to conclude my address, I’d like to invite President Susan Hockfield to the stage.
This year, the senior class giving committee was able to achieve record-breaking participation in the senior gift campaign, with more than 72% of seniors donating to the senior gift fund. With the help of all the seniors and donors, including Alumnus Ken Wong who graciously donated an amazing $25,000 toward the 2010 campaign, we were able to raise $32,000 for our class project.
With that, the Class of 2010, is happy to present to you the new 2010 Summer Housing Fund.
The Class of 2010 Summer Housing Fund is designed to offset housing costs for MIT undergraduates participating in volunteer work or unpaid internships over the summer. The project will enable MIT students to gain educationally enriching experiences during the summer, without being limited to paid positions. We hope this fund will encourage MIT students to participate in a wider array of summer internships and volunteer work.
Thank you to everyone who donated!
And on behalf of the Senior Gift committee, Mr. Wong, the Alumni Association, and the 2010 Senior Class… President Hockfield, I present to you, the Class of 2010 Senior Gift!
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