Shonda Rhimes '91 Delivers Dartmouth's Commencement Speech

Shonda Rhimes '91, the wildly successful television writer and producer, told the Dartmouth Class of 2014, "Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer."
Rhimes, creator, writer, and producer of the ABC hits Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice, told the graduates, faculty members, trustees, and guests assembled June 8 for Commencement that she had wasted time dreaming of becoming Toni Morrison before she settled for a job writing for television.
Read more at: now.dartmouth.edu/2014/06/rhim...
For news and updates on Dartmouth's Commencement 2014, visit: now.dartmouth.edu/2014/06/dart...
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[@shadesofvintageblue]

Who else paused their reading of her book and came here? This woman is amazing and I’m thoroughly enjoying her book, Year of Yes. Great speech and so true of everything she said.

[@cowitzcharlotjr.1167]

Same

[@kasedits1700]

Yup♥️

[@celestesobion3585]

It really is an awesome book!!

[@KimberlyLouofficial]

I did... I did!

[@garyfoster4694]

Exactly... I've been listening to the audio book and had to stop to see this... I'm an introverted writer too who has been tasked with public speaking & can truly identify!

[@Justindiego]

Who else is here because of her book? YES!

[@victoriamcknight1491]

yes just got the book for xmas and as soon as she talked about it i put it down and looked it up. It was great.

[@victoriamcknight1491]

yes just got the book for xmas and as soon as she talked about it i put it down and looked it up. It was great.

[@pamelajackson9035]

+JDiegoTV Im here just started reading yesterday . loving it!

[@Justindiego]

+pamela jackson changed my life!

[@boho_sol]

+Justin Diego Yes I came here because of what she says on page 72.

[@user-op6ji5bs4p]

1. Be a doer not a dreamer 2. Don't be self-centered 3. Accept that you cannot do everything

[@user-hv1qj4xe5e]

YBMㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@user-dm4bf2yi7d]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@user-yd6fx4lj7u]

ㅅㅂㅋㅋㅋ

[@user-hh3ty4vw2f]

앜ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@user-bl6cb8lm2u]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@kellicaaren]

I'm currently reading her book, "Year of Yes," and this speech was BIG for her!!!!! She's not lying about all of her fears, she was serious!! Great speech, I'm almost 40 and it inspired me.

[@yolandaallen5155]

Yes! I've come to this video because of the audiibook. You are absolutely correct. Just listening to the audio version of this speech in the book brought me to tears at lesson #3. I had to find the video in order to share it with others.

[@chandreshlefevre3034]

Kelli Evans I just finished it 2 days ago and it was so good and you're right she's not trying to get laughs she's telling the truth

[@annaswan8517]

Everybody read her book. Its freaking amazing

[@dwn144]

Anna Swan agreed!

[@masikanamungulwa2404]

Reading it ...its amazing.. so real

[@genevahightower272]

I loved the book!!!!

[@MomTheEbayer101]

That was by far the best and the most realistic commencement speech I've ever heard. From beginning to end she had me engaged.

[@jessicastuart5691]

Have you read Year Of Yes yet? Brilliant

[@QueenluluTV]

Its like the way she keeps you engaged in her book. Year of yes

[@cindymalinga8808]

2023 reading the year of yes and i have seen this speech over and over but i had to come back after reading the chapter... Love miss Shonda

[@khristinedelacruz03]

My attention was fully in from the first second to the last. And not a second did I zoned out. Shonda, you are a phenomenal woman and writer! You are my idol! Truly!

[@forevernishiboo9196]

Just reading ‘Year of Yes,’ in 2020 and watching this speech! Hhhaaamaaazzzingggg 🙌🏽

[@hopperthemarxist8533]

I would also add to this great speech -- it's important to know that you can fail. That things don't always work out. That its about how much you contribute not what you get to have. You give then you get. And life doesn't owe you -- I personally experienced a lot of pain in my 20's as everyone does but it's important to have some perspective and look past your stories.

[@betzaidagonzalez9889]

I'm here because of the book!

[@aboutjbe]

I watch this at least once a month.

[@bobkuusela3273]

Jessie b. Evans bitch, please. Get a life and some autonomy

[@sheilahightower-allen129]

Those straight-laced ivy leagued professors...didn't know how to take this address! But, the students and most of the parents did. One of the most honest I have heard in a long time. Very motivational and extremely truthful!

[@wherethequietbeingsgo]

Was it telling through their expressions?

[@bookerlr1]

She was truthful and authentic! She gave great advice to the Dartmouth graduates and many others are benefiting from her awesome address!

[@neish9520]

Currently reading her book, “The Year Of YES.” Wonderful book. She was NOT playin’ about how nervous she gets.👀 Genius diffusing it by talking about it. And, despite her visible and admitted anxiety, THIS WAS A REAL ASS COMMENCEMENT SPEECH! 🙌🏾

[@victorgarcia6462]

That was the most lackluster applause... She's Shonda Rhimes goddammit!

[@gabriellacloiseau3007]

This was by far the most inspiring and yet down to earth commencement speech! I loved how real she is and I can see every bit of Olivia Pope in her! I was at the Park reading her book "Year of Yes" when I decided to check this speech on KZbin! Black is power don't you all agree 🙏🏾🙏🏾👌👌☺☺

[@giareneeble]

That speech was great! The applause was so...weak

[@gg-ic6rh]

I am a korean high school student i m in a mid test of my school . So I memorize this speech for the test . Its really hard but I have gotten a lot motivate thanks for the good speech Rhimes!

[@blue-ku5db]

I visited here because her speech was published in English textbooks in Korea :)

[@alessandrarizzi]

Great speech. She's a genius and an inspiration. I totally share her view. I can't believe how detached and "bored" the students were. Many people prefer listening bullshits about their amazing future, their big dreams, the peace in the world...but unfortunately that's not the real world. Shonda is too intelligent for them. And they are too stereotyped to understand it.

[@AliceDymally]

+Alessandra Rizzi yup I agree. I don't think they will know it until many years later when they've actually experienced the things she is talking about. I am 10 yrs out from my college graduation & the speech definitely resonated with me.

[@GrBr42]

+Alessandra Rizzi My thoughts exactly. I don't think they realized how lucky they are to have this amazing person talking on their graduation..

[@jacklu1190]

Looked like a hot, stifling day

[@jazze.2729]

Amen to this!!!!

[@joseray2002]

So refreshing to hear the real truth, and she's brave and real to admit it.

[@KimyonZari]

Yes, yes, get up. This speech definitely deserved a standing ovation. Very raw and from the gut. Go ShondaLonda!!!

[@miruna6382]

I really appreciate her honesty. We need that subjective truth from our elders in order to understand what is going to come in our way and how to win those battles of life.

[@ginnagw]

I think the students we’re too young and naive for this speech. I don’t think most knew the power that stood before them. This was awesome.

[@rebekahkimball5631]

We appreciated it. We were all just miserably hot and dehydrated. I grew up in Florida, and I was still sweating so much that I had to take off my graduation gown.

[@ElenaWilkins]

So glad I took the time to watch this, while reading Shonda's book. I am so not 20, but the speech is awesome for any age as a reminder of reality. Well done!

[@kerrygriffin3128]

One of the most profound and inspirational speeches I have ever heard as a working mom. #beadoernotadreamer

[@lauralopez7646]

Currently reading her book... so inspiring. . there are so many similarities but I dropped out of college and she didn't. . The book is inspiring me to have a YES year in 2016!!!!!

[@AnnetteWarren]

I had a serious quarter life crisis after graduating! I can relate so much to what she says

[@AliceDymally]

+AnnetteWarren lol me too.

[@DrRippr]

i've watched this 5 times. every time I love it just as much

[@helloitsdaniel]

i love u shonda. you made me realize that being a dreamer is not enough you have to be a doer.

[@anastasimankesemokgobu1724]

I am back here in 2022 while reading her book, she was so nervous about this speech and woow, she spoke so well. I wish she knew how amazing she really is 💛

[@BrittneyColemanActress]

Much needed! Thx.

[@JonathanGardnerTV]

ALL the inspiration I needed!

[@jacqueline2291]

She is so real and down to earth.

[@tobiehewitt8318]

I have heard dozens of commencement speeches in my life and this, by far, is the best. Thanks!

[@denisec6123]

Love and appreciate her transparency.

[@maryvermont8325]

thoroughly enjoyed this speech!

[@morganeminmy7007]

This woman inspires me so much, i am reading her books and paused for see this video. She is literaly a queen after all she been through. She s amazing, an example for all of us. I adore you Shonda❤

[@peterpiperdiedharper]

WOW! BAM! awesome. needed this.

[@RoyreeToomer]

Inspiring!!!! Thank you Shonda!!!! Facing the fears and becoming a doer. It is never too late!

[@tiefajones4366]

Wow! This was an amazing message, Shonda!!! Do not dream, Do!

[@kasedits1700]

I was just reading the book year of yes and when she was doing this speech and i saw how hard it was for her to get up there and do that She's really motivational and makes me want to do better In life.♥️

[@thecandleshopbelize952]

2024 and reading the Year of Yes and had to pause reading to come listen and follow along in the book

[@itseitheranaorcarol]

24 minutes flew by. Shonda, you are awesome! :)

[@lizzybeth428]

I am actually reading Year of Yes, and I am right where she steps up to the podium and takes a deep breath.

[@hiraimaria]

What a great book and speech for the first day of the year. Happy 2022, people!

[@arizonarobbins7316]

Big fan of Shonda and her work. From being a fresh grad to someone who has gone thru a lot in life, her speech really resonates with me. Love the honesty!

[@twondiesel22]

I think its awesome that she touched on stage fright.

[@Ain_2222]

8일의 기적...난 외운다...외울 수 있다!! 다들 중간고사 화이팅..🥺

[@shush03]

Shonda! You are the bomb. Your book is incredible and liberating. Thank you for teaching us to choose ourselves 1st and to work hard. You are a legend 👑🎉

[@user-yr4cg6qs7r]

우린왜 이걸로영어시험을 볼까

[@user-jk8lm6wg9f]

ㄹㅇㅋㅋ

[@niar3214]

That was a good speech and even more impressive for her to have done it the day before. Incredible job

[@MomTheEbayer101]

Now on the other hand, Wow...that was the weakest applause ever for such an awesome speech! I see it took the African American woman to stand first before the other scholars followed suite!!

[@hermesmercury]

+Mom The Ebayer “Dumpster Diving” Actually it was a standing ovation. It sounded weak because you cannot hear what is not under a microphone reach.

[@myandersonangelsjalynnlail252]

I agree!

[@maymadison3620]

The 1st woman who stood up was not an African-american. Stop making things about race!

[@sthapiigirl3923]

I had to find this video after reading her book. It was very important that I watch her speech❤️.. I love her for being her most authenticself.

[@mamo5556]

Thank you shonda for this.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I'd never heard of Shonda Rhimes prior to just a few minutes ago. WOW what a lovely lady, truly inspirational. Wouldn't she make a great President!

[@RyanLongArt]

Great talk!!

[@LumkaJwara]

I,love hearing her speak. I am enjoying her book. I just view her in a different light. She was honest in sharing about her life before YES

[@nassorm5634]

Lumka Jwara OMG. I searched for a free pdf of that book everywhere 😅😅 (#broke).. i looooove her, she's so poetic..

[@stephaniew8709]

I'm here because of her book and her speech was awesome!

[@TinyPrettyNini]

I love and look up to Shonda so much, I’m an aspiring screenwriter who also wants to publish novels one day, she said so many things here that I can relate with, so many things that I agree with. I’m gonna keep coming back here to watch her speech❤️ I appreciate everything she said here. I hope one day I’ll be able to sit and have dinner with her🙏🏾 she’s really my idol.

[@deehowe4141]

I'm here today 8/6/19 because Toni Morrison died last night, and a piece of this address showed up on my Tw feed... Thank you, Shonda. R.I.P. Toni.

[@mabrown5307]

Fantastic commencement speech!

[@JohnLinder]

I am in love!

[@Miss_pee]

Thanks Shonda for beautiful words♥️

[@Iamtammyburton]

Yes, I paused reading her book (Year of Yes) to watch this video. 😊The most real and inspiring commencement speech I’ve heard.

[@futuresenatorleader7210]

Brilliant speaker...I love her

[@Qodeshi300]

i needed to hear this thank you ... just do say yes to anything that makes me scared..

[@CiecieNewson]

So wow. Now that was a great speech. ~Smile!

[@dagmawitmersha3282]

I have seen thousands of these types of commencement speeches from Oprah to Denzel...and she pointed out probably the one thing they all have in common though they had not admitted it. This is by far the greatest commencement speech ever. Though this was like a fire side chat grateful it was streamed to the world so we could all benefit from it. 😀😀😀😀😃

[@user-sx4pt8bl7e]

6:06 중간고사 화이팅!!

[@ajf098]

Thank you, Shonda!

[@theonlycontessa8771]

Listening to Shona reading her book on Audible October 2021. Shona you are an inspiration. You also have an audience of mature women too. I so wish I’d heard your speech as a young woman, but hell, I’m listening now. Love the book.🦋

[@rookie1718]

This speech was included in the textbook of my school!!

[@MelodyMaker151]

I like what she said about tradeoffs ... Very upfront.

[@miss-velani]

How crazy! Just today I read this part of the book. Shonda is amazing.

[@mikaeligor2612]

"O ano que eu disse sim" me trouxe até aqui❤️

[@jm8323]

That was a great speech.

[@vanle3828]

My favourite writer was a student from my dream school? Hell Dartmouth couldn't get better.

[@babskenky]

Excellent book, one of the best I ever read!

[@Heresheis0818]

Her works have inspired so many women with thoughts and attitude. She is an incredibly intelligent person.🌈

[@MeghanBasarab]

I just love her...

[@cynderfish56]

She was great! This was great!

[@user-gp7ew2un2o]

It is hard work that makes things happen and creates change,.

[@xxxmichalaxx]

I’m just in the middle of reading her book, just got to the chapter about the speech and it’s led me here! I love her already. Iv not even watched any of her shows. I’m gonna start with greys anatomy as soon as I’ve read the book haha x

[@XimenaZhaoArchive]

Just going to watch Shonda Rhimes interviews and speeches until I get hyphy enough to hit the zone. Thanks for this! :)

[@cql8878]

this speech is surprisingly good!

[@meganlam1112]

Great speech! "Dreams are lovely, but they are just dreams, fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen, it's hard work that creates change" really resonated with me. But the part that affected me the most was... SHE MISSED SANDRA OH'S LAST SCENE EVER FILMED ON GREY'S ANATOMY. (Goes to the corner to sob my soul out)

[@user-fn4kl4ck7v]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ우리학교 교과서에 나오셔서 본문외울 때 참고하려고 들어왔는데 교과서 내용이랑 좀 다르네ㅋㅋ

[@waang04]

혹시 YBM인가요..?ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@user-ul1kw2of1b]

오오

[@fdja001]

Its a great speech and real.

[@nitsrini06]

A great speech

[@sudeeksha9459]

Year of Yes....👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Shonda Rhimes '91

[@sandratabansi4320]

Came here from the book! This speech is so good!

[@BarbaraJean2]

Yes, Shonda Rhimes runs Thursday night and I love it. Ms. Rhimes, you are a Success because you give 100% even though your return may only be 90%. But that is better than not doing it at ALL. That 90% makes me even more happier to be a Woman.

[@wangumungai4210]

Loved how she kept it real

[@shruthirajaram1993]

I'm surprised not a lot of people don't talk about her book Year of yes. I've been reading it so far and it's just freaking awesome.

[@octaviajackson-underwood9384]

Great!!!

[@Sloomfarah]

Amazingg!!

[@marobins13]

im so glad i am not the only person telling people that tge idea of doing it all is a fallacy. the advice i gave my friend after she had her baby, feeling like u are failing at something at all times is your new normal, dont fight it. learn to not let it cripple u. thank u shonda, for ur honesty about that feeling.

[@mangonut]

+marobins13 If you're interested, Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In also touches on the fallacy of "having it all" and "doing it all."

[@LaveyBooVI]

Reading again in 2023 and just like the first time came here to listen once I got to this part of the book.