Time
Between juggling new motherhood to twins, starting back at work as a human rights lawyer, and co-chairing the recent MET Gala, Amal Clooney certainly has her hands full. But that didn’t stop her from taking on one more thing as she recently spoke at Vanderbilt University’s Senior Day where she offered seniors encouraging words and perspective regarding their journey’s after school.
One of the key aspects of her speech was highlighting the importance of courage, despite how difficult and challenging that may be in current times.
She spoke about courage being contagious and ultimately necessary for the very fabric of our society.
Clooney spoke eloquently and passionately regarding how courage is needed now more than ever.
"It’s character traits like persistence, ambition, inquisitiveness and grit that will determine your success. And perhaps more than anything that will define you is your courage. That is the virtue on which all others depend."–Amal Clooney #VU2018
— VanderbiltU (@VanderbiltU) May 10, 2018
She spoke about how many women remain marginalized and in danger not just in other parts of the world but even here in this country.
The human rights lawyer made a similar statement regarding the LGBT community.
Clooney also spoke about the necessity to protect journalists and their ability to do their jobs honestly and ethically.
Freedom of the press is one of the most imperative cornerstones of a free and just democracy.
She seemed to take a direct hit at the current president by saying “… at a time when our politicians try to conflate the terms refugee and terrorist and make us fear one another, we need courage.”
Such emphatic and necessary frankness is what one would expect from a woman who has made a name and career for herself by championing the lives and freedoms of others.
She went on to tell the graduating class that they needed to challenge the orthodoxy and stand up for what is right.
With a speech like that, it wouldn’t be surprising if she inspired some future lawyers, judges, lawmakers, and politicians in the room.
Clooney has her plate full these days but it’s nice to see that she feels strongly enough about the next wave of young adults, who will potentially make a positive and necessary impact on society, to come and give them some parting inspiration.
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