Harvard Class Day 2022

TL;DR

Mayor Michelle Wu, the first woman and first person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston, shares transformative truths and personal anecdotes in her inspiring Class Day speech for the Harvard class of 2022.

Transcript

(upbeat drum music) (upbeat music) (crowd chatting) (upbeat drum music) (upbeat music) ♪ Ten thousand men of Harvard want vict'ry today ♪ ♪ For they know that o'er old Eli ♪ ♪ Fair Harvard holds sway ♪ ♪ So then we'll conquer all old Eli's men ♪ ♪ And when the game ends, we'll sing again ♪ ♪ Ten thousand men of Harvard gained vict'ry today ♪ (upbea... Read More

Key Insights

• 👩‍⚖️ Mayor Michelle Wu's Harvard experience and journey to becoming the first woman and person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston serves as an inspiration and example of transformative leadership rooted in justice and service.
• 🧑‍🎓 Harvard College provides a transformative experience for each student, and the diversity of backgrounds, interests, and accomplishments in the class of 2022 reflects the unique paths each student has taken.
• 🥡 Mayor Wu's emphasis on finding humor, embracing failures, and not taking life too seriously resonates with the class of 2022 as they navigate their future beyond Harvard.
• ✊ The power of community, support, and mentorship through faculty, staff, and fellow students shapes the Harvard experience and the potential for individual growth and impact.
• 👨‍⚖️ Mayor Wu highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing inequities, as well as the role of government in creating positive change. She encourages the class of 2022 to continue advocating for justice and making a difference in their future endeavors.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Mayor Wu become the Mayor of Boston?

Michelle Wu first made history in 2013 when she was elected to the Boston City Council, becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in that role. She was unanimously elected as the Council President in 2016. In 2021, she was elected Mayor of Boston, making her the first woman and person of color to hold that position.

Q: What is Mayor Wu's approach to leadership?

Mayor Wu is known for her dedication to equity, inclusion, and change. She centers the needs and voices of underrepresented communities in her work and advocates for justice and opportunity. She has passed legislation on various issues, such as paid parental leave, climate resiliency, housing stability, food justice, and workers' rights.

Q: How does Mayor Wu connect with the Harvard class of 2022?

Michelle Wu graduated from Harvard College in 2007, and her own Harvard experience informs her understanding of the class of 2022. She acknowledges the shared experience of feeling unqualified or uncertain at times but highlights the possibilities that lie ahead for the class and the impact they can have in the world.

Q: What is the main message of Mayor Wu's Class Day speech?

Mayor Wu encourages the class of 2022 to find humor in life, embrace both successes and failures, and not take themselves too seriously. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, resilience, and courage in pursuing their passions and making a positive difference in the world. She assures the class that their unique Harvard experiences have prepared them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mayor Michelle Wu reflects on her own Harvard experience and the transformative journey of the class of 2022.

• She emphasizes the importance of not taking life too seriously, finding humor in both successes and failures.

• Wu shares her own journey from Harvard to becoming the first woman and person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston and highlights the impact of public service and justice in her leadership.