On Sunday, June 7th, 2020, BTS were some of the featured speakers and performers on the Dear Class of 2020 Youtube commencement livestream. Along with their fantastically energetic performances of Boy With Luv, Spring Day, and Mikrokosmos, the boys each gave graduates (and honestly everyone watching) simple yet profound words of encouragement. Here are my favorites quotes from each speech. Enjoy!
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We'll start out with the maknae. Our sweet golden boy recounted his experience as a high school graduate, speaking on how he was lucky enough to be supported by his hyungs in BTS on the big day. He has recently rewatched the video and thought, "How is it possible that I am the same boy from then?" Over the course of the past several years, he's definitely grown a lot. He finishes out his speech with these sweet words: "So here I stand today with my members, with faith in myself, my members, and the world. And I hope you also will do the same for yourself and move forward."
In his speech, Tae talks about how he hasn't always been good at what he does now, that he practiced really hard to be the singer, dancer, and performer he is today. He speaks on the uncertainty of where one should go after closing an important chapter of their life, reassuring others by saying, "If there is anyone out there who cannot see where they should go from here forth, I urge you to listen to your heart." Our sweet boy ended his speech by congratulating graduates, even applauding in ASL.
Our resident sweetheart is always immensely concerned about the ones he loves, and even the ones he doesn't know. Jimin gives an inspirational reminder that, even when you feel most alone, you are never truly alone in the world. There is always someone out there who will understand the situation you are in, even in the times of uncertainty. He comforts listeners by closing his speech with, "I think about your health and whether you are doing okay, whether you're holding on tight during a time when nothing seems planned. Remember, there is a person here in Korea, in the city of Seoul, who understands you."
Namjoon is known for his wise and comforting words, and this instance was no exception. Namjoon speaks on his own experiences as a middle school graduate ten years ago, how the him of the past felt the most "like himself, and how exciting and thrilling it was to be starting a new chapter in life. He wishes the same feelings for the graduates as he closes out with this: "We may be seeing each other through just a camera and this small screen, but I know your future will bloom into something much bigger and magnificent."
Sunshine Jung Hoseok shone in this speech. His positivity flows through every word as he speaks about the hardships of growing and failing and trying to be the best you can be. He encourages the graduates to continue to keep trying their best, to try again, even if they feel like they will never accomplish what they are trying to achieve. He speaks about his own struggles with failure, but explains that, in the times he wanted to give up, he would tell himself to try just one more time. He reassures everyone by saying, "The next attempt might not be perfect, but the second is better than the first, and the third is even better than second. And that is the moment I decide, 'I'm glad I chose not to give up'."
Yoongi's speech really felt like one big, "It's okay." He addresses the fact that he's felt like he's been by himself on an island, that he's fallen to the ground on his knees and cannot get up, signifying this year as a most difficult and unexpected one so far. But he doesn't stop there. While he understands students (and people in general) may feel helpless in the current situation, he urges us not to worry so much. Trying to take control of things that we absolutely cannot control is pointless, and Yoongi advises, "Take your hands off of what you can't control, and get your hands on what you can change. As you and I continue on in life, we will find ourselves in so many situations out of our grasp. The only thing we can control is ourselves. Get your hands on the changes you can make, because your possibilities are limitless."
I'll close out with words from our sweet Jinnie. Seokjin explains that, as a university, he felt that his pace had been slower than his friends'. Even after joining BTS, he expressed that he would have to start choreographies earlier than other members so that he could get the performance exactly right. He emphasizes that not having the same pace as those around you is NOT a bad thing, that taking things in more slowly is not wrong. As long as you are working steadily at your own pace, there is no need to feel bad. It's important to take a deep breath and not get overwhelmed by others around you. He ends his moving speech with this: "Take it slow, go at your own pace and steadily. Don't rush. You might discover the important things you were missing, and they will reach out to you."
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Alright, that's it for this post! Whose speech moved you most? Let me know down in the comments! I definitely resonated with Seokjin's speech the most. Thanks for reading, and have a great day!
