UC Berkeley 2016 Keynote Speech

UC Berkeley 2016 Keynote Speech

Wanted to share Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's moving keynote speech to the UC Berkeley Class of 2016. Her speech about resilience and fighting through the hardest times in life were drawn from the sudden and tragic loss of her husband last year. “What I want to talk about today is what you do next. About the things you can do to overcome adversity no matter when it hits you or how it hits. The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It’s the hard days — the days that challenge you to your very core — that will determine who you are.” Sharing the wisdom she drew from the tragedy is moving, and I recommend a watch.

Not as important, but selfishly cool, really proud that she chose to wear our UC Ph.D. gown and hood.

 

— Farbod Farzin
Tagged: Commencement ucberkeley
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What was the main theme of Sheryl Sandberg’s 2016 UC Berkeley commencement speech?
The central theme of Sheryl Sandberg’s speech was resilience in the face of adversity. She shared personal lessons learned after the sudden death of her husband, emphasizing how people respond to life’s hardest moments defines who they are.
Why is Sheryl Sandberg's speech considered powerful and moving?
Her speech was deeply personal and emotional, offering heartfelt insights into grief, recovery, and inner strength. Her openness about loss resonated with many and offered valuable guidance for graduates facing life’s uncertainties.
What quote from the speech stands out most?
One of the most memorable lines was: “The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It’s the hard days — the days that challenge you to your very core — that will determine who you are.”
What personal experience did Sandberg draw on for her message?
She spoke about the unexpected death of her husband, Dave Goldberg, and how she navigated through grief, using that experience to reflect on resilience and personal growth.
Was there any special detail about her attire during the speech?
Yes, Sheryl Sandberg wore the UC Ph.D. gown and hood, which was a point of pride for the university community and noted by many as a meaningful gesture of connection.