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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 15 hope starts here. 540.373.3223 WWW.RAPPAHANNOCKAREACSB.ORG WORKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF HOPE AND HELP. RAPPAHANNOCK AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD President Barack Obama, University of Michigan, 2010 When President Obama gave this speech at The Big House more than a decade ago, the nation was dealing with similar eco- nomic challenges and rifts as it is today. While his speech focuses on politics and government, his words ring true for anyone when it comes to forming relationships in the workplace and beyond and boils it all down to respect. In life, graduates will encounter others who do not look like them, think like them, or come from where they do. Instead of challenging someone with a dif- ferent perspective, Barack encourages graduates to embrace diversity. "We can't expect to solve our problems if all we do is tear each other down," the president says. "You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it." https://fredparent.family/Obama Amy Poehler, Harvard University, 2011 There are plenty of laughs during this commencement speech from actress and comedienne Amy Poehler, but she provides some serious feedback for graduates too. Poehler focuses on the power of relationships and asking for guidance and help along the way. "You can't do it alone," Poehler says. "As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life." https://fredparent.family/Poehler Stephen Colbert, Wake Forest University, 2015 Like Poehler, Colbert also lightens the mood with humor during his commence- ment speech. While rely- ing on others, Colbert also reminds graduates that it is important to rely on yourself as well. Graduates need to be willing to trust themselves on their new journey and give themselves grace as they make mistakes. "You need your own set of standards," Colbert says. "What is nice about having your own standards is that from now on, you fill out your own report card. So do yourself a favor: Be an easy grader. Score yourself on a curve. Give yourself extra credit. You have the power. You are your own professor now." https://fredparent.family/Colbert