Jill Biden on Saturday told Arizona community college graduates to ignore people who like to tell them what they can’t do.
The first lady shared with Mesa Community College graduates how her high school guidance counselor told her she wasn’t suited for college and shouldn’t waste time going. She didn’t listen and got her college degree.
She then earned three more, including two master’s degrees and, at age 55, a doctorate in educational leadership. She went to school at night while raising three children and working full time.
The First Lady has been a teacher for more than 30 years and, since 2009, has taught English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College.
She encouraged the graduates to “shut down” the voices that say “I can’t” and to remember the challenges they overcame to be able to wear a cap and gown on Saturday.
“You have faced life’s challenges before. And you know that on the other side of ‘I can’t’ is the beauty and the joy and the surprise of life, the adventure that changes us for the better,” she said, according to excerpts of her prepared remarks shared with the Associated Press . “And you’re ready for it.”
Biden said graduates should remember that they are strong and resilient and should not be afraid to face the unknown.
“Expect anything and everything. Take the risks that scare you. Don’t hesitate when you see the opportunity for joy. Share your stories too. Be kinder. Love more. Dream bigger. Find your adventure and keep the courage to say ‘yes,’” she said.
To the class of 2024, she said, “Let the world feel your thunder!” The college’s mascot is the thunderbird and “feel the thunder” is the school’s slogan.
“And the next time someone tells you that you ‘can’t,’ you’ll say, ‘Oh yeah?… Watch me,’” Biden said.
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