Jamie Kern Lima

Then one day, they call you commencement speaker on WSU's stage in a stadium filled with the most diverse and powerful class of first-generation students in WSU's history. No one can tell you your dreams are too big. Turn to your neighbor sitting next to you and say, I dare you to dream big. turn to the neighbor on your other side and say, you've got this.

Then one day, they call you commencement speaker on WSU's stage in a stadium filled with the most diverse and powerful class of first-generation students in WSU's history. No one can tell you your dreams are too big. Turn to your neighbor sitting next to you and say, I dare you to dream big. turn to the neighbor on your other side and say, you've got this.

Lastly, it is so important to dare to be first even when it feels lonely. When you dare to be who you truly are, when you dare to do things authentically to you, by definition, they've never been done before. Because there's only one of you in the entire universe. So when you dare to trust yourself and do it the way only you can, you're first. You're the first ever only you.

Lastly, it is so important to dare to be first even when it feels lonely. When you dare to be who you truly are, when you dare to do things authentically to you, by definition, they've never been done before. Because there's only one of you in the entire universe. So when you dare to trust yourself and do it the way only you can, you're first. You're the first ever only you.

So do not be surprised if not everyone gets it or gets you. Because there's never been a you before. And I promise you that the things that maybe others think are odd or quirky or wrong with you are actually the things that are most right with you. If I had listened every time someone told me to change what I was doing to succeed, there is no chance I'd be here talking with you today.

So do not be surprised if not everyone gets it or gets you. Because there's never been a you before. And I promise you that the things that maybe others think are odd or quirky or wrong with you are actually the things that are most right with you. If I had listened every time someone told me to change what I was doing to succeed, there is no chance I'd be here talking with you today.

And when you share an idea, I want you to remember this, when you share an idea that's never been done before, people will often doubt that it's going to work. That's how it so often feels when you're first. And here's why this matters. If you're willing to be first, to be brave enough to be misunderstood for a while, you can change everything.

And when you share an idea, I want you to remember this, when you share an idea that's never been done before, people will often doubt that it's going to work. That's how it so often feels when you're first. And here's why this matters. If you're willing to be first, to be brave enough to be misunderstood for a while, you can change everything.

Not just for yourself, but for every single one who's coming after you. Because history is written by the ones who dare to be first. You will have ideas. You will have ideas that others don't understand yet. You'll have dreams that scare even you. You'll be called crazy before you're called brilliant. And what I want you to remember is these words every time that happens.

Not just for yourself, but for every single one who's coming after you. Because history is written by the ones who dare to be first. You will have ideas. You will have ideas that others don't understand yet. You'll have dreams that scare even you. You'll be called crazy before you're called brilliant. And what I want you to remember is these words every time that happens.

You're not crazy, you're just first. You're not crazy, you're just first. Class of 2025, when fear whispers you're not enough, you say back, watch me. When rejection stings, you're not ready, you answer, I was born ready. You are capable, you are resilient, you are needed, not someday, not if you become more perfect, right now, exactly as you are.

You're not crazy, you're just first. You're not crazy, you're just first. Class of 2025, when fear whispers you're not enough, you say back, watch me. When rejection stings, you're not ready, you answer, I was born ready. You are capable, you are resilient, you are needed, not someday, not if you become more perfect, right now, exactly as you are.

When you wonder if you are crazy for dreaming so big, remember the world doesn't need more people playing small. The world needs more people who dare to believe in the power of their dreams. The ones who know that Denny's dreams can become billion-dollar realities. The ones who know that rejection is not defeat, it's victory. The ones who know that they were never crazy, they were just first.

When you wonder if you are crazy for dreaming so big, remember the world doesn't need more people playing small. The world needs more people who dare to believe in the power of their dreams. The ones who know that Denny's dreams can become billion-dollar realities. The ones who know that rejection is not defeat, it's victory. The ones who know that they were never crazy, they were just first.

You are worthy of daring. And class of 2025, today, I dare you. I dare you to believe in the power of your dreams. I dare you to believe that you have what it takes. I dare you to believe you are more than qualified I dare you to fail and I dare you to believe that you're worthy of getting back up again and again. And I dare you to be first because you already are.

You are worthy of daring. And class of 2025, today, I dare you. I dare you to believe in the power of your dreams. I dare you to believe that you have what it takes. I dare you to believe you are more than qualified I dare you to fail and I dare you to believe that you're worthy of getting back up again and again. And I dare you to be first because you already are.

And what I know for sure and what I'm living proof of is you can go from underestimated to unstoppable. You have everything you need inside of you right now to do that. And if you want to change the world, I dare you to believe in you and then watch what happens. Thank you and congratulations, Class of 2025! Go Cougs! I love you!

And what I know for sure and what I'm living proof of is you can go from underestimated to unstoppable. You have everything you need inside of you right now to do that. And if you want to change the world, I dare you to believe in you and then watch what happens. Thank you and congratulations, Class of 2025! Go Cougs! I love you!

Who you spend time around is so important as energy is contagious and so is self-belief. And I'd love to hang out with you even more, especially if you could use an extra dose of inspiration, which is exactly why I've created my free weekly newsletter that's also a love letter to you delivered straight to your inbox each and every Tuesday morning from me.

Who you spend time around is so important as energy is contagious and so is self-belief. And I'd love to hang out with you even more, especially if you could use an extra dose of inspiration, which is exactly why I've created my free weekly newsletter that's also a love letter to you delivered straight to your inbox each and every Tuesday morning from me.