Incredible Commencement Speeches

When it comes to giving graduation speeches, politicians have speech writers; authors have months to prepare; and other notables recycle the same self-deprecating humor, local references, and sage wisdom. Today we challenge you to write the first line of the speech you would want to give to a graduating class of college seniors. Submit your opening line now. If you feel like going further than the first line, go for it! You might want to imagine yourself at a specific school, standing in front of a podium, or not. Envision whatever you need to get your creative juices flowing and start writing. In the first week of July, Echoing Green will select a winner from the five top-ranked entries to receive a one-on-one coaching session with a speech writer.

Need some inspiration? Watch some incredible commencement speeches from the likes of Michelle Obama and Ira Glass below. Then click here to take the challenge.