William H. McRaven
Retired U.S. Navy admiral
Naval Adm. William H. McRaven addresses UT Austin's 2014 graduates, drawing on ten lessons from his Navy SEAL basic training to illustrate how individuals can change the world. He explains that small disciplined actions, teamwork, perseverance through failure, and courage in dark moments prepare a person to improve the lives of others. He ties these lessons to the university's slogan, 'What starts here changes the world,' arguing that each graduate's decisions can ripple across generations.
Key moments
- 01 Making your bed as the first accomplishment of the day
- 02 Needing others to help you paddle through hardship
- 03 Getting over being a 'sugar cookie' and moving forward
- 04 Being your best in the darkest moment under the keel
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