I have sat through many “staff and faculty in-service” motivational presentations (speeches, slide shows, etc.) before the start of fall term at my college. However, this is the first time I have posted anything from the experience. I share this year’s inclusion of a video of the 2017 commencement address given by Denzel Washington at Dillard University, because, hands down, it is one of the most inspirational messages I have ever heard.

The speech addresses “career goals” but it is about much, much more. It speaks to students, both successful and not successful (maybe just at the moment), to those who teach them, and to all of us who have ever been motivated/inspired by anyone who has reached down to help us in any aspect of our lives–whether inside or outside a classroom–with words, actions, and/or challenges.

Enjoy. Be inspired. Have some Kleenex handy…

(And yes, many of my colleagues and I noted the young graduate behind him using her iPhone during his presentation…)

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Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlY0PkWxCW8