It was early May, and colleges around Atlanta were wrapping up another semester and millions of students were graduating around the city and the country.  The radio show hosts were each taking a turn that week reading commencement speeches they had prepared.  This particular speech, written and read by Melissa Carter at Q100, really caught my attention.  Maybe it’s because I was already feeling nostalgic thinking about my own college graduation 5 years ago (No way.  Has it really been that long?!  Man, those were the days.), or maybe because I am a huge American Idol fan (Lame?  Whatever.  Go Kris!).  Either way, I was hooked as soon as I heard the DJ explain how American Idol has prepared you, the class of 2009, for life after graduation.

Click here to read the full speech (It’s totally worth your time), but here are a few teasers to get you started:

• Showing up is half the battle
• What you wear has a huge effect on how you are perceived  
• Song choice makes all the difference
• Talent can only get you so far
• Simon is everywhere  
• How you deal with people in authority is important 
• Coming in first isn't always best  
• Always be sure to thank the band 

Hopefully this speech leaves you feeling inspired and motivated for your journey into the “real world” (whatever that means), but if not, I hope it will at least put a smile on your face.

Enjoy!