Jason Reynolds Education

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Utilizing Education for Collective Success: Jason Reynolds Inspires Graduates to Think Beyond Cliches and Support and Empower Others As Well On May 19, 2018, Jason Reynolds, a renowned author and speaker known for his young adult novels, delivered a commencement speech at Lesley University’s graduation ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He shares a personal story from his high school experience, from which he learned an important life lesson that transformed the way he approached his work and life. His speech is meant to inspire and encourage the graduates to use their education and privilege to uplift and empower those who do not have the same opportunities or advantages as them in order for everyone to succeed, despite the risks that they …show more content…

Through the strategic use of metaphors, Jason Reynolds elevates his commencement speech, inspiring graduates to use their education for collective success beyond individual achievement. Towards the end of Reynolds’ speech, he discusses the struggles faced by individuals and the different challenges that other people in the world face, which limit their opportunities to become successful. He says, “Those of us from raging waters, and crashing waves; beached, but trying desperately to breathe.” Reynolds uses the metaphor to compare life’s challenges to “raging water” and “crashing waves,” suggesting that people face tough situations that can leave them feeling stranded, like fish out of water. It affects the audience by evoking empathy and resilience, which sends a powerful message to the audience about overcoming hardship and using their strengths to support and assist others. This metaphor also advocates for those who are struggling and is meant to motivate the graduates to take action and make ethical decisions, no matter the consequences or risks that have to be

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