Real Talk

Of Medals and Muppets: Graduation Speeches That Moved Us

by Alexa Villano
June 13, 2025

The speeches by the University of St. La Salle’s Summa Cum Laude Tricia Ann Anda and the University of Maryland’s Kermit the Frog reminded us of the sacrifices of students and the future that awaits them

Two very different voices—one from a hardworking psychology graduate in the Philippines, the other from a beloved green muppet across the world—went viral this graduation season. But both spoke to the same timeless truth: growing up means learning to dream, to rest, and to walk with others.

Tricia Ann Anda Dedicated Her Medal to Working Students

Tricia Ann Anda, a psychology major and 2025 summa cum laude of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, began her speech like any proud graduate. But quickly, she turned the spotlight not on herself, but on the students who sacrificed the most.

“If I could remove this medal from my neck and give it to someone else… I would,” she told everyone present at the graduation ceremony. “I would hand it to my classmate who worked online jobs and part-time shifts between classes, some with cracked phones, borrowed laptops, selling food, art, anything—just to make ends meet. To the ones who caught jeeps at dawn, who walked under the heat or in the rain, who paid their own tuition—because no one else could.”

“To those who showed up with tired eyes, but hearts that refused to quit. To the one who studied through tears, who cried in silence, but still made it to class with a smile. They never complained. They never asked to be seen.”

Tricia acknowledged her own privilege of having working gadgets, support, and stability—something not everyone had.

“It’s where strength grows quietly, in places no one applauds. That some of the strongest wings form in silence. Their strength humbled me. Their quiet resilience taught me. And though I may not have lived their story, I saw them. I admired them. And I carry their courage with me,” she said.

Before closing, she shared three lessons she’ll carry into the real world: be kind, rest, and trust the calling.

Kindness, she said, keeps people going—even on their worst days. Rest reminds us we’re human. And trusting the calling? That means believing in the big, bold dream planted in your heart, even if it scares you.

“Maybe the chrysalis wasn’t a place of hiding, but of becoming. So if the dream still scares you—it’s probably because it’s meant to grow you.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Dream

To parents reading this: let your child shine. Let them follow what’s in their heart.

It’s not easy—especially for empty nesters watching their kids begin their first job or live away for the first time. But this leap of independence is how they learn. It’s how they grow. Let them dream, make mistakes, and figure it out along the way.

To students: fear is normal. But courage often walks in right after. Take the step. Trust the timing. And remember – rest is part of progress too.

Kermit the Frog: Leap Together

Halfway around the world, another commencement speech took the stage—this time with humor and a little green felt. On May 22, the University of Maryland invited none other than Kermit the Frog as their guest speaker.

Kermit, created by the late Jim Henson, a proud Maryland alum, delivered a message about finding your people, taking the leap, and making meaningful connections.

“If you’re with your people, you won’t have to do it alone,” Kermit said. “Because life is not a solo act. No, it’s not. It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you’re with your people.

He encouraged the graduates to look around—to recognize the people beside them, because some of them might become lifelong friends. Others will be collected along the way.

Kermit also poked fun at the idea of success being a solo sprint.

“We’ve been told that that’s how you succeed. And some choose to believe it. But I know they’re wrong. So, as you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here’s a little advice, if you’re willing to listen to a frog. Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side. Because life is better when we leap together,” he said.

Kermit also shared the importance of making connections not just at work, but also with friends and family.

Be There For Each Other

While Kermit’s speech was filled with humor, it held the kind of truth that lingers.

Finding your people takes time. It’s okay not to know where you fit right away—friendships and belonging grow slowly, but meaningfully.

Leaping together means walking side by side. No man—or frog—is an island. Especially now, when so much of life is spent behind screens, real connection matters. And that includes family.

In a world where we’re always connected but rarely present, it’s the hand you hold and the people who show up that carry you forward.

So leap bravely. Leap beside someone. And if you’re already flying, don’t forget to look back. Someone might just need your hand, too.