President Bill Clinton's Ten Points of Advice for Graduates

10 in 10:Our Advice for Graduates

Every spring, President Clinton speaks to thousands of graduating seniors in commencement ceremonies across the country, providing advice to graduates on how to pursue their dreams while also working together to combat the challenges facing our independent world. Whether you graduated yesterday or a decade ago, whether you’re in the middle of a career or just starting out, we hope our advice inspires you to build a stronger tomorrow — and that you share this inspiration with others.

No matter what you do next, find ways to appreciate, celebrate, and enhance the impact of our diversity. Remember that our common humanity matters more than our interesting differences.

Take time to help others, in your own community or on another continent. You’ll help build a world with more partners and fewer adversaries.

Engage respectfully with those you disagree with, and know that healthy debate can lead to positive changes. Remember that no matter what side of the argument you fall on, we’re all in this future together.

You’re going to be affected by things that happen to you beyond your borders, whether you like it or not. So try to work to build up the positives and reduce the negative forces of our interdependence.

Never forget your teachers and what they’ve done to make your life better and stronger. Even if you don’t become a teacher yourself, remember their example, and try always to teach others and give the gift of learning.

Become an informed citizen. Engage with both local and global issues, and vote for leaders who you think are making a difference. Our world is filled with inequalities and instabilities, but that doesn’t mean we all can’t work together to change it.

When you’re just starting out, you may not be making much money or be exactly where you expected, but there’s always something you can do to give back. And doing good will guarantee you a rewarding future.

Always try, and if you fail, try harder. Life’s largest disappointments are not rooted in failures or mistakes, but in the absence of passionate commitment and effort.

Waste not a moment. Live your dreams. But find some way to empower other people to live theirs, too.

Strive to achieve happiness every day, not just at the end of a journey.