9 Times Will Ferrell Spoke To The Depths Of Your Soul At USC Commencement | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

9 Times Will Ferrell Spoke To The Depths Of Your Soul At USC Commencement

Stay classy, USC Class of 2017

31
9 Times Will Ferrell Spoke To The Depths Of Your Soul At USC Commencement
E! Online

USC Commencement 2017 was – to put it simply – magical.

Having witnessed my fair share of commencements over the last handful of years, let me say that USC really outdid themselves this year. Or rather, they outdid themselves in 1986 when they accepted Will Ferrell as a member of the freshman class of 1990.

The world-renowned comedian and actor circled his way back to his alma mater last week – like he does every year for various events on campus – and gave the commencement address that no member of the USC Class of 2017 will ever forget.

Here are 9 times Will Ferrell spoke to the depths of our souls at USC Commencement:

1. “As a freshman in the fall of 1986, if you were to come up to me and say that in the year 2017 you, Will Ferrell, will be delivering the commencement address for USC, I would have hugged you with tears in my eyes.

I then would have asked this person from the future, ‘Does that mean I graduated?’”

He may be a rockstar in the entertainment world now, but even he had doubts about passing Chem and ConLaw. Your future is just that: YOURS. Work for it, achieve it, seize it.

2. “So I graduate and I immediately get a job right out of college working for ESPN, right? Wrong. No, I moved right back home.”

Just like you, he packed up his dorm full of things and moseyed his way back to his childhood home without a job. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? How’s that for humbling?

3. “I was just trying to throw as many darts at the dartboard, hoping that one would eventually stick.”

You don't have to know what you want to do, but you have to be willing to try, try, and try again until you evntually figure it out. Take chances on yourself. If you don’t, who will?

4. “And yes, I was afraid. You’re never not afraid. I’m still afraid.”

You also have to face your fears. Respect them, but face them. You're stronger than they are.

5. “My definition of success is my 16-and-a-half-year marriage to my beautiful and talented wife, […] my three amazing sons, […] and my involvement in the charity Cancer for College.”

It’s not all about money. In fact, it’s rarely about money. But we always seem to somehow make it about money. Enough with the money, already.

6.” No matter how cliché it may sound you will never truly be successful until you learn to give beyond yourself. Empathy and kindness are the true signs of emotional intelligence.”

Again, not about the money. Build relationships that last and always give more than you take. It's called huMANity for a reason.

7. “Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics and you will figure it out.”

Confidence is key. And while sometimes it’s the hardest thing to have, no one knows your dreams like you do, and no one will believe and fight for those dreams like you will. So believe, fight, persist, and you will conquer.

8. “Class of 2017, I just want you to know you will never be alone on whatever path you may choose.”

I think this was Will Ferrell’s cordial and indefinite invitation to his home(s). Can I get an address with that invite?

9. "If you do have a moment where you feel a little down just think of the support you have from this great Trojan family and imagine me [...] singing this song gently into your ear" *cue Whitney Houston*

He also loves his ballads (and Whitney) as much as any good, tender soul does. And he loves his Trojan family. Dude's got his priorities straight.

Keep singing, keep shining, and keep Fighting On!

Congratulations USC Class of 2017!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1001
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

604
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199694
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20583
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments