Ira (Reluctantly) Gives a Graduation Speech

Commencement speeches frequently suffer from predictable platitudes, yet they can become impactful when speakers share surprising, personal narratives that acknowledge the reality of post-graduate life. Navigating the years immediately following college often involves significant "floundering," which is a normal, essential phase of personal and professional development. Rather than waiting for inspiration, creative success requires the disciplined, active pursuit of ideas and the willingness to persist through failure. Personal stories, such as the account of a grandmother encountering Adolf Hitler in 1932, illustrate the uncertainty of the future and the importance of being prepared to act when opportunities arise. Ultimately, the transition into adulthood is a messy, unromantic process where individuals must define their own paths, manage parental expectations, and remain open to growth despite the lack of clear signposts or external validation.