Jennifer Nettles Challenges Grads to Be ‘Fearless Dream Warriors’ in Inspiring Commencement Speech
Jennifer Nettles made an appearance at her alma mater, Agnes Scott College, to deliver a commencement speech for the graduating class of 2018. Nettles walked for her own commencement at the private women's liberal arts school in Decatur, Georgia in 1997. In her heartwarming speech, she challenged graduates to go after what they are passionate about. Readers can press play above to watch Nettles deliver the speech in her true form: Humorous, humble and very real.
"What kind of woman do you want to be? ‘Cause I know what kind of women I want you to be. I want you to be fearless dream warriors, I want you to be the boss ladies of your own lives," she said. "I want you to live authentically in your truth. I want you to be so in touch with your truth that nothing can pull you off your path." The Sugarland singer finished her speech with a moving a capella rendition of an old Irish blessing.
Nettles recapped her speech on social media, challenging the grads and her fans alike: "...choose love, never fear. Be curious, be noisy and chase your dreams!" She posted on Instagram.
Nettles and her musical partner, Kristian Bush, launched Sugarland's 2018 Still the Same Tour this month ahead of the release of their upcoming reunion album, Bigger. That album will be their first release as a duo since 2012, when Bush and Nettles parted ways to focus on solo projects. Nettles explained at a recent press event that one reason for the break was to allow both members of Sugarland to recharge and develop new skills to bring to their work together.
"We wanted to have new experiences and new inspirations, and come back with full cups," Nettles explains. "I feel like we've done that."
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