Matthew Fox's Commencement Speech
"Lost" star Matthew Fox returns to his Alma Mater on Tuesday to deliver the keynote address during Columbia College Class Day at Columbia University.
Fox, 40, introduced himself and joked that while Harvard got Bill Gates to speak at their commencement, “The only difference is I actually graduated.”
Source: Matthew Fox's Columbia College Class Day Speech
“You may have an idea where you want to be in 20 years and some of you will get there. But if you do, I guarantee you won’t have let yourself take chances. 18 years ago sitting in these seats, as hung over as I was, I remember a sense of accomplishment & a sense of fear. In defining the future for yourselves, the safest choice may not be the best choice.”
Fox concluded: “Live for your own passion, not the aspirations or expectations others have for you. Trade fear for trust. Allow yourself to find that area either of your excellence or your excitement that motivates you to apply the same focus and energy that got you through Columbia. Whatever that area is, there is value in it simply because it is the area of your passion.
“Finally and most importantly, do not apologize. One of the most beautiful things you can see is that moment of which a person stops apologizing for who they are and what they want to do and who they want to be and they drop being themselves. That’s it, that’s all the wisdom I’ve got to offer.
“As of tomorrow you are the author of your own life. I’m excited about what I get to do. I get to tell stories but equally as exciting as that to me is the story each one of you is yet to write. The first chapter is coming to a close, where the story goes from here is up to you. Congratulations class of 2007!”
Fox, who received a standing ovation at the end of his speech, graduated with a B.A. in economics (CC’89) and played wide receiver on the Lions’ varsity football team.