We may not hear much from Lauryn Hill, but the music icon has emerged to deliver a motivational message to the graduates of Temple University. The COVID-19 pandemic has curbed public graduations for millions of students who had hopes of walking across stages to celebrate their accomplishments. With the “Stay Home” order in place, large public gatherings have been nixed in many places worldwide. Celebrities have given words of encouragement from the comforts of their homes to students who have to miss their proms or had their graduations canceled, including Lauryn Hill who wrote a moving piece to Temple University graduates.
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“I know this message finds you in the unique and unprecedented circumstance of a graduation ceremony held remotely, but for the safety of you and your families consider this the beginning of a significant story you’ll have to share with those that follow you,” the award-winning singer wrote. “For this time is indeed historic, and if we’re paying attention, pregnant with purpose. Purpose is powerful. The work one puts his or her hands to with purpose attached, becomes charged, activated and often deeply meaningful. Purpose-filled acts can change lives, move communities and alter the course of history.”
She also told them that in this time, what we need are young people to fulfill acts of “kindness,” “courage,” and “responsibility.” Lauryn Hill added, “The world desperately needs youthful optimism and people prepared to help lead and guide its course with wisdom and informed perspective. Make no mistake, our times aren’t easy, but they aren’t impossible to alter and positively affect either.”
“Extend gratitude to your families, and to the faculty and administrators who assisted in the development of your full-of-potential young minds. You’ve grown from promising students into mature, more-than-capable young adults ready to accomplish incredible goals in your respective fields and beyond. We celebrate you.” You can read Lauryn’s letter in full here.
