‘Dear Class of 2020’: The best messages of hope for graduates

Let’s be honest: this year is only halfway through and it’s been tough. Like, really rough. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to spend time celebrating your achievements. If you’re graduating in 2020 (whether that be high school or university), we take our hats off to you for weathering the storm and adapting to wildy changing circumstances in order to reach your goals. 

On June 7, 2020, some of the world’s most famous celebrities came together on YouTube to help the class of 2020 graduates feel recognized and seen in the midst of things like social distancing. This virtual gathering included speeches and performances from people like Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, BTS, Doja Cat, Maluma, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé. 

Bet you never thought your commencement speech would be given by someone like Beyoncé. Lucky class of 2020. 😉 This virtual graduation was filled with encouragement, inspiration, and even some dark humor. In this article we’d like to feature the best messages of hope given at the Dear Class of 2020 event.

The best messages of hope from Dear Class of 2020 

“Congratulations to the class of 2020 . . . Graduation is a big achievement under any circumstances. Yours comes as the world is turned upside down by a pandemic and a country that’s been swept up by protests. I can barely imagine how head-spinning these last few months have been for you.

“ . . . As scary and uncertain as these times may be, they are also a wake up call. And they’re an incredible opportunity for your generation, because you don’t have to accept what was considered normal before. You don’t have to accept the world as it is. You can make it into the world as it should be and could be. You can create a new normal.”
– Barack Obama

“I wish to tell you that although there is much to be sad about, there is also much to be celebrated. You are watching what is a pivotal moment in this country’s evolution. You’re watching society change in a deeply important way.”
– Lady Gaga

“Whatever the world looks like in ten years or twenty years, part of that is up to you. I urge you to let this current moment push you to improve yourself.”
– Beyoncé Knowles-Carter 

“. . . And, as graduates, you have a world of possibilities. You can go from living in your parents’ basement to working from your parents’ basement.”
– Bart Simpson 

“Even before graduation many of you have already started to make your mark: feeding the hungry, mentoring kids, fighting racial injustice, helping veterans, battling climate change. And now, to see so many of you participating in peaceful protests, to see so many of you of every race and background raise up your voices on behalf of justice for all, well, it’s been unbelievably inspiring. You make me optimistic about our future.”
– Barack Obama

“Dear class of 2020. It’s been a strange year so far, but you made it. Today, we might not have flowers and we might not have graduation caps. What we do have is possibly the most special graduation ceremony in history. 

“Never before have so many gathered to celebrate a graduation class for their achievements and their dreams. . . . If any of you feels lost in the face of doubt or uncertainty or the pressure of starting anew, don’t rush. Take a deep breath. You may find that any moment can be turned into an opportunity.”
– Members of BTS 

“Congratulations to the class of 2020. . . . I hope you continue to go into the world and show them that you will never stop being yourself, that it’s your time now. Make them see you. Now, if you’ve ever been called dumb, unattractive, overweight, unworthy, untalented, well, so have I.

“Whatever you do, don’t let negativity of people projecting their own self doubts on you deter you from your focus. I know those moments are painful. You’re human and it hurts like hell, but now is the time to turn those criticisms into fuel and motivation to become a beautiful beast.”
– Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

“I’ve seen your creativity and your talent and your resourcefulness. I’ve seen speaking out to end gun violence and fight climate change. I’ve seen you gathering donations for those in need during this pandemic. I’ve seen you marching with peace and with purpose. And that is why, even in tough times like these, you continue to be what gives me hope. 

“Graduates, you all are exactly what we need right now and for the years and decades to come. You’re learning so much so quickly, and I know that not only can you do better than those that came before, you will. So it’s your time. I love you all. I believe in you all. I want you to be safe and I can’t wait to see you take the reins.”
– Michelle Obama