Serena Williams Addresses Class of 2020: You are resilient and should be so proud

23 time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was part of an online celebration with comedian Kevin Hart and NBA champion and MVP Steph Curry for an online graduation ceremony for thousands of seniors.

The event was streamed live on social media in partnership with Chase.

Williams, who is still hoping to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, says, "This might not be the graduation you all envisioned, but it is nonetheless a celebration of your tenacity to persevere in the face of challenges. While I know not many of you personally, I am really humbled to be with you and your families as we commemorate your academic success.

"You all began your collegiate journey with a mission to realize your potential to pursue your dreams, and now you have the tools to push yourselves forward in any direction that you choose. The world is waiting for you and your greatness, and you will have the opportunity to change it for the better.

"To all the graduates out there, parents, teachers, collegians, congratulations. One of the many lessons that I've learned throughout my life is that success is subjective. When you go out there into the world, you'll see so many different versions of success around you.

"Success comes in so many forms, and it's up to you to define what success means to you and what that means in your life."

Williams said that she is sure the class of 2020 would be resilient and strong and rise to the occasion in their future endeavours.

"Although we are all facing uncertainty right now, we must remember that we are strongest when we are together. Over the course of your lifetime, there's going to be so many setbacks and challenges that force you to pause to look inward and listen to the voice that says, 'You can do it."

"It's your job to keep your feet on the ground in those times of self-doubt, because those moments teach how to fly, to believe in yourself, and they teach you to recognize opportunity and act on it without fear.

"To graduate college is an incredible feat, regardless of the circumstances, but to graduate college in the middle of a global pandemic is all the more inspiring. This is a massive, huge milestone in your life and you all should be so proud."

"If there's one piece of advice that I can instill in you, it's to magnify your inherent greatness, by taking risks and demanding more. As you pursue this next chapter in your life, pay attention to the issues and the matters that move you take action.

"Look to allies where you wouldn't expect to find them, don't be afraid to lean on people and ask for support when you need it, and don't forget that teamwork goes a very long way.

"To the class of 2020, you are resilient. You are fighting during these unexpected times, and your mental fitness is getting you through each day a little stronger, a little wiser, a little more self-aware than the day before. This is progress in the journey to success."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/35vdVpe