Shonda Rhimes Gives an Epic Graduation Speech at Dartmouth: "Ditch the Dream and Be a Doer"

"It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change," the TV show creator tells students

By Bruna Nessif Jun 11, 2014 1:17 AMTags
Shonda RhimesTwitter/Dartmouth

Whether it's on the small screen or the graduation podium, Shonda Rhimes just gets it.

At this time of year, a number of celebs take the stages of a variety of schools to inspire young grads and share their wisdom, and while Rhimes did just that, she did it in a way that was extremely honest and just plain perfect.

The Scandal creator spoke at her alma mater Dartmouth University on Sunday during their commencement ceremony and told the dreamers to stop dreaming of what they want to do and start doing it.

"I think a lot of people dream. And while they are busy dreaming, the really happy people, the really successful people, the really interesting, engaged, powerful people, are busy doing," she said.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change," Rhimes continued.

"Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer. Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you're paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn't matter. You don't have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.

"It doesn't have to fit your vision of the perfect job or the perfect life. Perfect is boring and dreams are not real. Just ... do. So you think, 'I wish I could travel.' Great. Sell your crappy car, buy a ticket to Bangkok, and go. Right now. I'm serious."

The 44-year-old even talked about hashtags, and made sure to remind this generation that hashtagging is "not a movement," so instead of spending your time on your bum typing on Twitter, get out there and do something.

"Volunteer some hours. Focus on something outside yourself. Devote a slice of your energies towards making the world suck less every week. Some people suggest doing this will increase your sense of well-being. Some say it's good karma. I say that it will allow you to remember that, whether you are a legacy or the first in your family to go to college, the air you are breathing right now is rare air. Appreciate it. Don't be an asshole."

Bravo, Shonda. Bravo.

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