What does it take to craft an inspiring commencement speech? Practical advice, inspirational words, and a dash of humor sometimes result in a standing ovation or could cause bored attendees to scroll through their social media. I applaud commencement speakers who have found a way to deliver a message that might instill confidence and optimism for graduates to embrace the next steps in their personal and professional careers. Inside Higher Education highlighted several commencement speakers and their messages. The theme of prizing and using one’s education stood out among the sampled speeches, and Felipe Hinojosa proclaimed to Goshen College graduates: “The world needs you more than ever. Do not succumb to this idea that your emotions should be kept at bay, that your knowledge does not matter. Remember your education is the only thing that cannot ever be taken from you, but it is something you can give away.” Reflect upon your time at Penn and consider what you put into your academic work, internships, independent studies, extracurricular activities. These collective experiences contributed to your way of looking at the world, to your intended career choice, to your network of friends. You earned your degree through diligence and persistence, and you richly deserve to celebrate your accomplishments; however, you are now at the crossroads of using your didactic and experiential learning to look ahead and see how you can continue to make a difference in your own life as well as in the lives of others. Celebratory events are behind you, and now is the time to go forth and use your education and contribute to the greater good.