Sarah Kay: What We Build

Scripps College 2015 Commencement Keynote Speaker: Sarah Kay
Sarah is an extraordinary poet and educator who has inspired audiences worldwide. Sarah is the founder of Project VOICE, a group that uses spoken word poetry to entertain, educate, and encourage young people. Through award-winning performances and innovative workshops, Project VOICE seeks to promote empowerment, literacy, and empathy in classrooms and communities around the globe. Students come away with a greater sense of confidence in their own voices and with a motivation to share and listen to each other’s stories after attending a workshop.
A featured poet on the sixth season of HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam, Sarah has been invited to share her work on such diverse stages as the Malthouse Theater in Melbourne, Australia; Royal Danish Theater in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the United Nations in New York City, among others. She has performed at events in the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, France, Singapore, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Ghana, the Philippines, Sweden, Spain, Nepal, and India. In all, she has shared works of her spoken word poetry on six continents.
Her 2011 TED conference talk, “If I Should Have a Daughter,” has been viewed more than seven million times online. She is the author of the best-selling book, No Matter the Wreckage (Write Bloody Publishing: 2014), a collection of her poetry. In 2006, she was the youngest competitor at the National Poetry Slam. Kay earned a master’s degree in The Art of Teaching from Brown University and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Grinnell College.

[@oowaz]

sarah is addicting. i've ran out of videos to watch

[@aishwarya_ganapathy]

Me too :( i love her so much. One of the people for whom i'm like 'thanks for existing'

[@fiev]

I like the way she talks

[@karleenzambas8977]

Same

[@Mubblz]

Lol. I feel the same!!

[@Mubblz]

If I could get to meet one celebrity, I would ask to meet you. You inspire me!😊❤✊

[@VdeBelikov]

She shines so much that the guy in the back is wearing sunglasses

[@yvestoussaint8791]

Vitória Dorneles 😂

[@Diana-gt1rv]

I love the idea of building a temple by laying bricks 🥰

[@khosiroyalhighness4965]

🤣

[@rizzzzzzzzzzzz]

Not a lot of colleges would give a standing ovation to a commencement speaker. I'm sure most of those people were amused how good this was. It felt like this isn't just for the graduates but everyone listening to her must have needed to hear those words. I'm just sitting in my room and I needed this. I am filled with self-hate, been lying around the whole day, not knowing what to do with my life. I will graduate 3 months from now. I am thousands of miles away. And I needed this.

[@nadreenfakir210]

I hope you are doing well now!

[@crystalcrystal1829]

Update

[@Pablo_Mumo]

Update 🙌🏿 (6yrs have passed)

[@rizzzzzzzzzzzz]

​@@Pablo_Mumo thank you for having this pop up my notifs! 😊 the thing I was mostly lonely about was the fact that I lost friends as we went on separate ways and that I had to really grow up. I loved writing and wanted to do something with that. Well. I don't think I've written anything creatively for 5 years. Earning a living is tough and lonely and confusing. But I met new and lifelong friends at my mid-20s. And after betrayals, playing around, giving up.. I met the love of my life over 2 years ago. So much I learned abt the world and how we could fix it but it's not going to happen in my lifetime. We are only supposed to plant seeds and water those planted before us. We are the middle child of the human species. Life is so insignificant in comparison to the entire universe and I'm only one person. I learned to breathe and invest in my own happiness. My father passed away a year ago and that has been the worst heartbreak I've ever felt. More life responsibilities fell into my lap. I still have breakdowns because of fears and the unknown and disparities. I keep it going though. Still trying to see where life takes me

[@klmwhct]

​@rizzzzzzzzzzzz I'm watching this for the first time... and read what you wrote originally and just 10 months ago. Life truly is a journey with many heartbreaks, more than you think your heart can hold... The thing is, each time your heart breaks open, it's the love glue that heals it together... friends, family, strangers in ways that are only felt by the heart. What I have found, is your heart expands. Know. That each experience you grow through is helping to chisel the unique you that is blossoming. Your gifts as Sarah's are unfolding beyond your wildest dreams. Lean in, knowing everything is in Divine Order. Continue to ask your dad to help because he will. You are healing the world one heart at a time, just as I, and we matter. Know, that you matter, you make a difference. Look at this... how you touched my life how many years later. We impact others beyond our wildest dreams. It's one breath, one, moment at a time. Signed a caring person who has lived and grown through some tragedies and at 66+ continues to push way beyond her comfort zone to help others and be the change that I want to see in the world vs. talking about it. I don't have to physically see love spread spread, I know that it does. Like a smile it's contagious, like a hug you can't give one without receiving one. Until the next time... 💞

[@ambergeddes8157]

I want to be whoever Sarah Kay wants me to be.

[@kindestwaytosay7280]

Avi Geddes as far as i can tell, sarah kay wants you to be yourself.

[@chrishernandez9277]

I cried, "girls that study poetry online when their school gets rid of their creative writing class", you are part of something so much bigger, I'm a senior in high school that has written poetry since sixth grade and I haven't had much support, my friends my parents and even I tend to think it's useless because I'll never make anything out of it, my dad hated to idea so much he would take my poetry books and throw them away, but you inspire to keep writing and trying even when nobody else will support me.

[@mia-saraking5479]

I hope that you're still writing, it's not useless. It's powerful.

[@beautyandpositivity1343]

I’m 45 and if I knew then (when I was your age) what I know now, I would have understood the importance of following my dreams & life’s purpose. It’s not useless. It keeps you sane, and able to become great...because your time & attention is focused on what matters TO YOU. Hang in there, dear. You won’t regret it. Doing life any other way is regretful 💝

[@karinateves2050]

With the way she speaks, the whole of her speech almost sounds like one poem. This is beautiful and inspiring and timeless! So much love to this woman!!!

[@zesilwa]

Karina Teves I can see several layers of poems 🙂

[@ofelialagreca3044]

“Only some men will want to learn what it feels like to curl themselves into a question mark around you, admit they do not have the answers they thought they would by now.” -Sarah Kay

[@lhagvajavgansuh711]

I am just trying to make listening practices with TED talks and other videos. I am learning English as my second language. So I can't understand accurately what she talks . But, as soon as she begins speak, I am truly inspired to learn English as much as I can, to able to speak English as clearly as my first language. Thank you, Sarah

[@ToroJoker]

Simply remarkable. If anything she epitomizes the art of inspiration. I cannot get enough of Sarah Kay.

[@gianniclaud]

every word coming out of her mouth is so nurturing and healing. i feel so hopeful listening to the sound of her voice.

[@rosechristinatopno9691]

Gianni Love agree with everything you mentioned!

[@PrincePaulIowa]

She is amazing, watch her on Ted Talk! Wow!

[@gianniclaud]

***** it's my go-to for therapy.

[@karleenzambas8977]

❤️❤️

[@alexc.1745]

Almost brought me to tears. She really has a gift when it comes to words and understanding how to explain life. I love you Sarah you are amazing

[@loganmiddlenamepending5297]

I need teachers like Sarah Kay. If I could listen to Geometry lessons, graduation speeches, and " Montauk" with the same vigor, I would have a 4.0 gpa in no time.

[@edromano7776]

She speaks of building, yet she just shook up my world and spirit. Breath-taking words of art. I gasp for the ocean, and look to build anew with weathered hands.

[@MISSYEYALOVESU]

Her and Phil Kaye talk and move alike, too much time spent together 😂

[@south756]

I'll always, always come back to this in times of academic doubting and hopelessness, I suppose.

[@Lannikai]

A fine example of being present. As it will never be enough to simply show up.

[@chloeepinay15]

Sarah has the most engaging voice! She could be talking about carpet and I would be facinated! :D

[@gyaradolce]

i feel so secure and inspire after hearing her. shes not speaking to us shes communicating with us

[@yvestoussaint8791]

This video is over 20 minutes long. I don’t have that good of an attention span but for some reason I couldn’t stop listening to her speak. She is amazing.

[@rosechristinatopno9691]

Even when she addresses the audience and gives a brief introduction about herself sounds poetic. I keep coming to this again and again!

[@beringtse]

"You are in a continuous process of becoming" legendary

[@gurlio1000]

Sara, you are one of the most inspiring figures of our generation. You are a movement

[@gurlio1000]

+gurlio The world is gonna change because of you

[@joell4497]

+gurlio Truth

[@trijata29]

I CRIED SO HARD. SARAH always does this.

[@ryoichitaguchi232]

I still imagine this as my college graduation speech.

[@Mark-ou2mx]

I woukd love to see Sarah Kay live. I have so much love and admiraration for this woman. She has a way to touch the heart abd conquer the soul.

[@angelonabalse4458]

Everyone needs a place and it shouldn't be inside someone else. Sarah is a gift.

[@briannafreeland5028]

To put her and Andrea Gibson on the same stage... Good lord. That would be simply AMAZING.

[@IgotzKarakter]

Brianna Freeland with Mary Lambert as well.

[@girlgotnoidentity]

four years later i'm still in awe. I LOVE SARAH KAY SO MUCH

[@narnianemo8589]

That standing ovation was thoroughly deserved

[@loveisloudermusicfan]

She is so amazing!! Ive been watching her ever since I was a junior in high school and i am still so amazed by her! I wanna be like Sarah :)

[@asiamarie4]

This is absolutely incredible. I went to the library to borrow her books and came to find out, they were never returned. I probably wouldn't return them either.

[@YuliaEgoslavia]

i looovee Sara Kay is an understatement

[@a24396]

Sarah Kay = completely amazing I watch her art and I can't help but think about how lucky I am to have seen her and what she has to say... +Scripps College: thanks so much for posting this!!!

[@Nanancay]

She's amazing.

[@meta4ic_life]

I am a poet as well Sarah and you truly inspire me I would love to learn more about how to perform my poetry that I write

[@manalahmed6864]

she made me cry god inspirational

[@batatawada112]

If only I could re-hear this, for the first time. Over and over again!

[@elizabethtrabertpiper6000]

Sarah Kay...my constant source of inspiration!

[@eleanorstephenson3312]

i adore this woman.

[@tmgprem]

Thank you Sarah. Love from Nepal. :)

[@Hellohellohello242]

Prem Tamang same

[@sonibhuju5758]

+Prem Tamang Sarah Kay was in Nepal!!!????

[@tmgprem]

+Sony Shrestha yes, she was here twice I think. but I've not gone to see her though. :(

[@footballrewindthebeautiful1716]

really ????

[@prabinako]

same reaction 2 years later

[@kymgrauman9717]

You... Kay.... are simply AMAZING

[@batatawada112]

It's as if she has seen the entire world. And she KNOWS everything there is to know. "Blasé" - just that she is amused and impressed by EVERYTHING! (I don't know a word for that) She gives me 'goals'; my choice of professional career may be on the far end of the spectrum, far away from her's, but I don't know; I'm miles away from her, different nationality, different culture, different upbringing, different education, different personality and all that, but whenever I listen to Sarah I feel one with her. Like her words are carefully crafted, tailor-made just to strike MY rational thinking. It must be such a beautiful thing to BE Sarah Kay!

[@aashishadhikari2822]

this girl made me just keep on listeining her all day and night

[@averagejoe2746]

I lived for many years in the temple until I woke up in a dream where I saw the temple from the outside for the very first time. People tell me to this day that my dreams are not real and that I am delusional, that the temple is a hallucination because they don't see it. I know their lying and many times wondered why ? what makes them deny our beautiful temple ? The best answer is the one that you gave in your speech :"the temple is still being build..." I must have been living in a far future, in the past, which makes total sense since I discovered the science of quantum mechanics !-) So, my hopes & dreams originate from the time that the build will be done and we are worshiping that what we' create. From the beginning of this year I see more and more people talking about the same dream as you did in your speech and that fills me with new hope that one day everyone will see it too, as if it has always been there... . Thanks again, Sarah Kay, for enabling me to have an overview of my life !-)

[@mycah1993]

Love you Sarah! From the Philippines!

[@niknurain]

“I am always in a continuous process of becoming” 💛

[@mr.anindyabanerjee9905]

A student who is the source of unbound enthusiasm & motivation for all aspirants. 🏆 Wonderful

[@ysabellaperez3377]

i love sarah sm ! her courage and honesty speaks mountains

[@addie7694]

That poem about women honestly made me cry. I love her writing, her voice, and Sarah herself.

[@darrenwalshe8513]

She speaks in poems, a beautiful transparent soul xx

[@ezikanozifaithnozizwematho5580]

FROM SOUTH AFRICA, much love much respect

[@grace_beauty]

This is exactly what I needed to hear at this moment. My mind is transformed.

[@VijayKumar-in7zw]

sarah you got magic the way you put it great

[@SXHQQSSS]

Healing is also building!!!! WOW!! Cheers!!

[@Ngis]

Thank You Sarah. Love from Kenya

[@jelliepops]

She is just so talented and beautiful! Great energy! Thank you! :))

[@willowwong9505]

Sarah Kay is so inspirational.

[@HalOBrien]

As a Pomona alum, I'm envious you got to book Ms. Kay.

[@sampadagc5970]

you are truly an inspiration Sarah

[@samuelnoma2106]

Oh my. What an inspiration. I feel lucky to be listening to her words. Thanks Sarah.

[@ranjanatamang1525]

It felt so great when u talk about Nepal..... Thank u so much 💓... U r truly an inspiration

[@buddharatnatandukar1310]

Sarah, we love you so much from Nepal for understanding us.

[@bhishmabhurtel3908]

I love each of her words! Such a talented person. It feels so great to hear that she went to our country Nepal, and inspired others about spoken word poetry.

[@sonibhuju5758]

I would love to have her as guest speaker during my commencement !!!!!!!!

[@biswashadhikari4616]

Loved your speech. And thank you for pointing out the devastation caused by the earthquake. Thank you again. Nepal cannot thank you enough.

[@lupevinado3087]

so many life lessons in one speech, thank you for your inspiring the world

[@dr.dilnathfuel1379]

Well spoken!!! My daughter loves her poems.

[@aishwarya_ganapathy]

Sarah you are brave and beautiful. Those who get to listen to you in real are so lucky. Specially the kids you might be teaching

[@Hellohellohello242]

weow that was amazing, you inspire me sarah. Thank you for the gift you gave us all, the gift of beautiful poetry in this world of profanity

[@thokozanidlamini6958]

Sarah one word i can define your poem is wow!

[@siopao25ful]

Best commencement speech ever!

[@erinschembri1148]

She’s such a captivating writer and speaker

[@johnnyevtimovski7641]

She is extraordinary.

[@chado3000]

So good.Thank you.

[@Sonniieable]

She's Amazing!

[@shreyaaneja3859]

You are so amazing, so so so so amazing.

[@BuketSilaTuncer]

i love her so much

[@sambhadkhar7036]

Splendid ❤ I'm inspired by her ☺

[@lykaaag6]

I love you Sarah Kay! :)

[@duaaelseed1329]

!She is gorgeous as usual

[@kathybaker4609]

Great wisdom for a young person.

[@Noise_floorxx]

The guy on the left is so over Sarah Kay. I couldn't stop looking at him.

[@malissahyatt2425]

Looks like he's over everything but himself. The inside of the lenses might have mirrors.

[@honesttogoddess5027]

Amazing!! wow

[@nathaliaarcos1852]

Ugh I love her 😍

[@authybonita6867]

"I know you will build us a world I'm excited to see..."

[@GabrielaGarcia-ov4xg]

What is it about her that is so addicting? She could be reciting her grocery list and I'd still be mesmerized.

[@andreajeanmedina-cue3978]

inspiring in every single way

[@AlishaBadeShrestha]

Love from Nepal ❤️

[@sinenhlanhlamasondo5085]

beautiful

[@zqlimy]

That guy in the shades

[@musa9617]

zqlimy hahahaha! watched a 100 times - hadn't noticed him

[@VandVisage]

Loved the speech! I am from singapore and I would love for her to visit!

[@joycelee9738]

Ebrahim Shakir same here!

[@Hellohellohello242]

Ebrahim Shakir same

[@theloudgirl]

Joyce Lee Sarah and Phil have been to Singapore twice over the last two years and once on Kuala Lumpur.

[@nurikhairiyyah8956]

she came earlier this year!!

[@VandVisage]

+Nuri Khairiyyah oh dam! wish I knew!

[@Omar-zz8sc]

Thank you

[@RahulSaikiaassam]

Clear and true

[@user-ep9fv1fo6f]

amazing word and anice flow

[@bappadityabhattacharya4433]

Am i supposed to cry? Because I did

[@kathybramley5609]

She is so beautiful and lyrical and talks about her life and work across a global palette with a mix of words that are inspiring and challenging and sometimes tricky in some way - but if it was a white male poet perhaps attached to a church or other religious organisation I would roll my eyes, well trained in wokeness, whether or not he mentioned feminist goals and trans men coming out. And some of it is not different. I am confused. And I think I love the fact that that she is so admired and find it emotional and identify with her expressed uncertainty and expansive oscillating ways of thinking and perhaps a bit of the tweenes and the rockout kickass attitude in there as well and the desire to be lyrical and loveable and shine - and I write -but I would feel so uncomfortable up on that stage in that applause. I get more and more nervous when I stand up to do spoken word. I am non-binary (or possibly a trans man - fluid/angsty about it sometimes) but Sarah is like the patronus of what my femme side wants to be or thinks I should be. Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall also comes to mind. But like I say, apart from the fact there are so many aspects I cannot replicate I am not sure; I remain confused.

[@marzadky4934]

She likes the word, "instead" as a pause

[@raek8940]

thank you

[@keshabkarki88]

that's why I fell in love with Sarah

[@CadetClashTCA]

does anybody realise that this is probably one of the only videos that don't see her hand gestures when speaking, I like the hand gestures but I've literally just noticed that, so why not share it. Edit: why? why did i write this XD. But being serious, heart warming, love it! (By saying that, I only watched half of the video, after my brother said that watching poems instead of making them isn't that creative - we're an artistic pair, my brother and I)