Hunter Class of 2023 Commencement Address

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Questions and Answers

What is the occasion for the speaker's address?

The graduation of the Hunter Class of 2023

What is the personal connection between the speaker and President Jennifer Raab?

They both grew up in Washington Heights and attended Hunter High School

What was the pivotal moment that inspired the speaker to pursue a career in writing musicals?

Seeing the musical 'Rent' on their 17th birthday

What advice does the speaker offer to the graduates in terms of finding a job?

Find a job that aligns with their passion, utilizing the skills and community built during college Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the speaker's reflection on their own graduation day?

It highlights the uncertainty of what comes next, but emphasizes the importance of doing what needs to be done to make space for what one wants to do Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of the quote from Stephen Sondheim's song 'Opening Doors' to the graduates' current phase of life?

It resonates with the graduates' current phase of life, as they are opening doors to new opportunities and experiences Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker's favorite English teacher, Dr. Rembert Herbert, encourage them to pursue?

writing Signup and view all the answers

What event interrupted the author's busy day at Wesleyan University?

the 9/11 attacks Signup and view all the answers

What inspired the author to pursue a career in theater despite the uncertainty and rejection?

Jonathan Larson's musical 'Tick, Tick...Boom!' and his story of struggles and perseverance Signup and view all the answers

What did the author work on during the summer of 2002?

a digital archive of 9/11 testimonials from Latino New Yorkers Signup and view all the answers

What was Jonathan Larson's occupation for 10 years to support his writing?

a waiter Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's message to the graduating class of 2023?

to make the most of their time, choose life and connection, and make plans for the future despite the uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's central message to the graduates about finding a job?

Find a job that aligns with their passion, utilizing the skills and community built during college. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's personal experience inform their advice to the graduates?

The speaker's own experiences, such as moving to New York City and pursing a career in writing musicals, serve as a model for the graduates' own paths. Signup and view all the answers

What role does community play in the speaker's narrative?

Community is emphasized as a vital component of the speaker's journey, from college roommates to the community of Washington Heights. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's reflection on their own graduation day relate to the graduates' current situation?

The speaker's reflection serves as a reminder that uncertainty is a natural part of life, but it is essential to take action towards one's goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the musical 'Rent' in the speaker's narrative?

Seeing the musical 'Rent' on their 17th birthday was a pivotal moment that inspired the speaker to pursue a career in writing musicals. Signup and view all the answers

How does the quote from Stephen Sondheim's song 'Opening Doors' resonate with the graduates' current phase of life?

The quote resonates with the graduates' current phase of life as they embark on their own journeys, just as the song's lyrics capture the uncertainty and excitement of new beginnings. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's experience on 9/11 influence their perspective on pursuing a career in theater, and what lesson do they draw from Jonathan Larson's story?

The speaker's experience on 9/11 makes them realize the importance of pursuing their passion despite uncertainty and rejection. They draw inspiration from Jonathan Larson's courage to pursue his passion despite facing rejection and uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker's reflection on their own graduation day in 2002 reveal about their journey as a writer, and what does this say about their message to the graduating class of 2023?

The speaker's reflection on their own graduation day in 2002 reveals their struggles and doubts about pursuing a career in writing, and their message to the graduating class of 2023 is to make the most of their time, choose life and connection, and make plans for the future despite the uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's experience with Dr. Rembert Herbert influence their decision to pursue writing, and what does this say about the importance of mentorship?

Dr. Rembert Herbert's recognition of the speaker's potential and encouragement to pursue writing inspires the speaker to develop their writing skills and pursue a career in writing, highlighting the importance of mentorship in guiding one's career choices. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker's comparison between their own experience and Jonathan Larson's story reveal about the struggles faced by artists, and what lesson do they draw from this comparison?

The speaker's comparison reveals the common struggles faced by artists, including rejection and uncertainty, and the speaker draws the lesson that one must be courageous and determined to pursue their passion despite these challenges. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker's experience on 9/11 influence their message to the graduating class of 2023, and what does this say about the importance of community and connection?

The speaker's experience on 9/11 emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the face of uncertainty and adversity, and their message to the graduating class of 2023 is to prioritize these values in their own lives. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker's decision to scale back their teaching job to focus on writing reveal about their priorities, and what does this say about the importance of following one's passion?

The speaker's decision reveals their priority on pursuing their passion for writing, even if it means sacrificing financial stability, highlighting the importance of following one's passion and making time for what brings fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

• The speaker is addressing the Hunter Class of 2023, congratulating them on their graduation. • The speaker shares a personal connection with President Jennifer Raab, both having grown up in Washington Heights and attending Hunter High School. • The speaker acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the graduates and those who supported them, including friends, family, teachers, and abuelas (grandmothers). • The speaker reflects on their own graduation day, recalling the uncertainty of what comes next, but emphasizes the importance of doing what needs to be done to make space for what one wants to do. • After graduating, the speaker moved to New York City with college roommates, sharing an affordable apartment in upper Manhattan, where they learned to be resourceful and make do with limited means. • The speaker credits seeing the musical "Rent" on their 17th birthday as a pivotal moment, inspiring them to pursue a career in writing musicals. • The speaker's passion for storytelling and community led them to write their first draft of "In the Heights," a musical portrait of Washington Heights. • The speaker advises graduates to find a job that aligns with their passion, utilizing the skills and community built during college, and to cherish relationships formed during this time. • The speaker quotes Stephen Sondheim's song "Opening Doors," which resonates with the graduates' current phase of life. • The speaker shares their own post-graduation experience, graduating from Wesleyan University with a degree in theater, and calling their favorite Hunter High School English teacher, Dr. Rembert Herbert, for guidance. • Dr. Herbert had recognized the speaker's potential and encouraged them to pursue writing, leading to the development of one-act plays and musicals.- The author is putting on a new musical at Wesleyan and has a busy day ahead, but it gets interrupted by the 9/11 attacks.

The author is unable to connect with family in the city due to busy phone circuits, and learns that a classmate loses their father in the attack, while another's brother narrowly escapes.
The author attends a performance of Jonathan Larson's musical "Tick, Tick... Boom!" a month after the attacks, which resonates with their own fears and doubts about pursuing a career in theater.
The musical is about Larson's struggles as a young artist, including rejection and the loss of his friend Michael to HIV, and finding the courage to pursue his passion despite the uncertainty.
The author is inspired by Larson's story and makes a vow to spend their time doing what they love, even in the face of rejection and uncertainty.
The author fast-forwards to their graduation day in 2002, where they have a job lined up teaching 7th grade English, but spend the summer working on a digital archive of 9/11 testimonials from Latino New Yorkers.
The author goes on to teach English, but scales back to substitute teaching to focus on writing, and takes on odd jobs to make ends meet, including moving furniture and singing backup at concerts.
The author is inspired by Jonathan Larson's own struggles, including working as a waiter for 10 years to support his writing, and volunteering at a non-profit organization to support people with life-threatening illnesses.
Jonathan Larson died suddenly at the age of 35, just before the premiere of his musical "Rent", due to an undiagnosed condition known as Marfan syndrome.
The author reflects on the challenges faced by the graduating class of 2023, including the global pandemic and online misinformation, but is hopeful that they will find their way and make connections in an isolating age.
The author encourages the graduates to make the most of their time, choose life and connection, and make plans for the future, despite the uncertainty.

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