Taylor Swift welcomed by New York (University), a long-awaited moment unfolding. The 11-time Grammy winner graced the commencement ceremony at Yankee Stadium, where she was honored with a degree and delivered an inspiring speech to the graduating class.
As she ascended the stage, amidst a chorus of applause, Swift greeted the crowd with her trademark charm. “Hi, I’m Taylor,” she announced, injecting a dose of her signature humor into the moment. Reflecting on her last stadium experience, she contrasted her current attire with memories of dancing in heels and glittery leotards.
In a playful nod to her hit song “22,” Swift speculated on the reason for her selection as this year’s honoree. Amidst laughter, she expressed her genuine excitement to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.
News of Swift’s involvement in the ceremony sparked a frenzy among her devoted fans, with reports of eager Swifties attempting to secure tickets by any means necessary. However, NYU’s strict policy prevented the unauthorized sale or auctioning of commencement tickets.
Swift’s presence at the NYU commencement ceremony coincided with her inclusion in the university’s curriculum. The Clive Davis Institute introduced its inaugural course centered around the artist, led by Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos.
“Nyu commencement ceremony (Taylor’s version),” tweeted Spanos, capturing the excitement from Yankee Stadium.
The event garnered widespread attention, with the New York Times dubbing it “the Hottest Ticket in Town?”
Social media buzzed with excitement as attendees shared their experiences. One user, expressing their Swiftie origins, celebrated attending alongside their graduating friend who secured one of Swift’s coveted guest tickets.
“Congratulations to all the NYU graduates and especially @taylorswift13,” another user tweeted, expressing pride in supporting the event live from Yankee Stadium.
Before taking the stage, Swift shared her anticipation for the day on Instagram, documenting her preparations in a video.
“Wearing a cap and gown for the very first time,” she captioned the post.
During her speech, Swift imparted valuable advice to the graduating class of 2022, offering what she described as “life hacks.”
Swift shared insightful guidance with the graduates, urging them to streamline their lives by carrying only what is essential.
“You get to pick what your life has time and room for. Be discerning,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of making intentional choices.
Continuing her advice, Swift encouraged embracing moments of discomfort, suggesting that individuals learn to coexist with “cringe.” This acknowledgment of vulnerability and imperfection resonated with the audience, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating life’s challenges.
Swift delved deeper into the concept of “cringe,” acknowledging its inevitable presence in life. “No matter how hard you try to avoid being cringe, you will look back on your life and cringe, retrospectively … even the term cringe might someday be deemed, ‘cringe,'” she mused, highlighting the universality of moments of discomfort and embarrassment.
Dispelling the myth of effortlessness, Swift emphasized that the desire and determination to succeed are what truly matter. “Effortlessness is a myth,” she asserted, stating that the individuals who “want it the most” are the ones she values as collaborators.
Concluding her speech with humility and reassurance, Swift reminded the graduates of their humanity and fallibility. “We are led by our gut instincts … and you will screw it up sometimes, and so will I … we will breathe in, breathe though, breathe deep and breathe out,” she said. With a touch of humor, she added, “And I am a doctor now, so I know how breathing works,” lightening the mood and leaving the audience with a sense of comfort and empowerment.