In comparison to the typical education background of college graduates, the singer-songwriter pointed out that she decided to leave formal schooling in the 10th grade. Instead, her high school education was completed through homeschooling by her mother while they traveled to various airports for Swift’s radio tours. She described these trips to country radio stations as involving a cycle of activities like renting a car, staying in motels, and pretending to argue loudly with her mom during boarding to keep the seat between them empty on Southwest flights.

Shifting gears to what she humorously referred to as “unsolicited advice” that may have actually been requested by NYC, Swift advised the graduating students to embrace the unavoidable cringe moments in life. She emphasized that no matter how hard they try to avoid cringeworthy situations, they will inevitably look back and cringe at some point. She even joked that the term “cringe” itself might one day be considered cringe-worthy. Swift assured the students that some of the current trends or choices they are making now will eventually be seen as ridiculous and amusing. For instance, she shared a personal anecdote about a phase she went through in 2012 when she dressed like a 1950s housewife for the entire year. She encouraged the students to enjoy experimenting with different trends and phases, as looking back and laughing at those moments is all part of the fun.

In a more heartfelt manner, she expressed, “I strongly believe in embracing your passion without hesitation. It appears that in today’s culture of indifference, there is a misconception that being enthusiastic is a negative trait. … Don’t ever feel guilty for putting in effort. The idea of things coming effortlessly is a misconception. In high school, I was drawn to those who showed the least interest, but now, I seek out those who are driven and eager to succeed to join my team.”

During her commencement speech, Swift informed the graduates that they all have a talent for writing, just like she does. She shared her experience of creating 11 albums, navigating through various genres from country to pop to alternative to folk, highlighting the versatility of singer-songwriters. She pointed out how individuals adapt their writing styles in different contexts, whether it’s crafting Instagram stories or academic theses. Swift emphasized that everyone possesses the ability to be literary chameleons, constantly evolving and adapting their writing styles, making the process incredibly intriguing.