If Politics Has You Down, Crash a Graduation Ceremony

Today's College Grads Exude Optimism and a Commitment to Teamwork That Political Leaders Would Do Well to Emulate

Around the country, graduation speakers are stepping up to podiums to deliver messages of inspiration and hope. But this is not your typical graduation season. This year, speakers honored at commencement ceremonies must calibrate their words of wisdom to cut through the chatter of a political season whose discourse has turned coarse, bitter, and disheartening.

At Arizona State University’s commencement a few weeks ago, Teach for America Founder Wendy Kopp advised the newly-minted graduates to remember the importance of inclusion and diversity and the need to break down barriers that keep …