Lauryn Hill Pens Encouraging Message To Temple University Grads

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill Pens Encouraging Message To Temple University Grads

Grammy-award winning singer and rapper Lauryn Hill has a special message for the class of 2020 at Temple University. The singer, songwriter, and rapper wrote about the importance of purpose and youthful optimism, which is a message that 2020 graduates may need during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Lauryn Hill wrote,

“First, congratulations.
Second, congratulations
and third, congratulations for accomplishing what at times may have seemed a gargantuan
task in the age of distraction—receiving a diploma for years of focus and commitment to
scholarship. I know this message finds you in the unique and unprecedented circumstance
of a graduation ceremony held remotely, but for the safety of you and your families consider this the beginning of a significant story you’ll have to share with those that follow you. For this time is indeed historic, and if we’re paying attention, pregnant with purpose. “

Lauryn Hill

She continued and shared her thoughts on purpose and reminded the grads of their power as young people.

Purpose is powerful. The work one puts his or her hands to with purpose attached, becomes charged, activated and often deeply meaningful. Purpose-filled acts can change lives, move
communities and alter the course of history.

I hope that you understand the power of your youth—its grace and vitality.
I hope that you understand the power of opportunity and the privilege of knowledge.
I hope that you protect your youth, value your opportunities and continue to grow your
knowledge.

The world desperately needs youthful optimism and people prepared to help lead and guide
its course with wisdom and informed perspective.

She added:

Make no mistake, our times aren’t easy, but they aren’t impossible to alter and positively
affect either.

Acts of kindness, acts of courage, acts of responsibility, acts informed by wisdom and preparation can help bring stability, clarity and positive vibration back.

Knowledge is a cure for ignorance.
Confidence and preparedness, a cure for insecurity and instability.

Lauryn Hill

She went on to encourage them to be their authentic selves:

I look forward to experiencing the impact of your particular charge and contributions to the world. Don’t be afraid to shine in your most authentic form, nor should you be afraid to self-reflect and fine tune that light as you go.

Extend gratitude to your families, and to the faculty and administrators who assisted in the
development of your full-of-potential young minds. You’ve grown from promising students
into mature, more-than-capable young adults ready to accomplish incredible goals in your
respective fields and beyond.

She ended with,

We celebrate you.
You invested in yourselves.
May the return on that investment lead to accomplishment,
fulfillment,
happiness,
and a most meaningful journey!

What are your thoughts about Lauryn Hill’s powerful message to the Temple University Class of 2020? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.