I Gave A Commencement Speech!

In this video, MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) returns to his roots by delivering a commencement speech for the Stevens Institute of Technology class of 2024, the school where he himself studied. He notes that this is his first time giving a commencement address and jokes about the seven-minute limit he was given, promising a concise, punchy talk. He anchors the message on the idea of directing one’s energy toward something meaningful, highlighting how his own passion for technology and video creation has shaped his career. He shares a personal aside about receiving an honorary doctorate and frames the speech as a potential source of inspiration for new graduates who are entering a future with bright possibilities. The talk weaves together humor, humility, and concrete examples, such as his longtime involvement with Ultimate Frisbee, to illustrate the value of savoring moments, embracing teamwork, and recognizing the fleeting nature of time in any pursuit. He recalls the powerful “beat” moment from his team’s early days, urging graduates to pause, appreciate their peers, and acknowledge the support network around them as they launch into the next chapter. The core takeaway for now is to take a moment to observe and celebrate where you are in your journey before focusing on the future, which he frames as a necessary prelude to meaningful action. For later, he pivots from anecdotes to actionable guidance. He candidly admits that giving advice is challenging and that his own path was shaped more by interest, luck, and opportunity than a predefined playbook. The essence of his counsel is simple but potent: find something that excites you and channel your energy toward it. He encourages graduates to ask themselves big questions about identity, goals, impact, and what truly makes them feel alive or nervous, acknowledging the tools they’ve gained in college , problem solving, collaboration, and independence , as essential levers in pursuing a purposeful career. He reframes graduation as multiple graduations across life: educational milestones, first jobs, new skills, and personal growth that keep pushing you to level up. The closing sentiment is hopeful and forward-looking, celebrating the launch pad of graduation while recognizing that the journey toward meaningful contributions will continue long after the ceremony, with many more “graduations” to come. Overall, the speech blends humor with motivational philosophy, urging graduates to pursue passion with deliberate purpose, to value their communities, and to view achievement as an evolving process rather than a singular moment. It ties together personal anecdotes, a practical framework for self-reflection, and a celebratory note about the endless potential ahead, making it a memorable send-off from a successful alumnus to a new generation of Stevens graduates.

Topics · education · technology · inspiration · career_development · personal_growth