TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Coach Nick Saban and President Donald Trump shared advice with graduates at the University of Alabama during a special commencement speech Thursday night.
Both said that what comes after graduation may have its challenges, but the future comes with even greater opportunities.
“Treat every day like a home game against Auburn. Fight like hell, and enjoy doing it…” said President Trump.
He shared 11 keys to success with the graduates in attendance. President Trump encouraged students to think of themselves as winners, to be original and to never give up. He said students learned a lot about winning at Alabama, and he explained that now, he needs them to help win for America.
“God only created one of you. Remember that. God created one of you. You’re all different. Some are close, but nobody is the same. You’re one of a kind. So, don’t try to be someone else,” said President Trump. “Just be yourself.”
The 47th president also told students they have to love what they do and said that they’re not too young to do something great.
“You will have all the same headaches and challenges, all the same delays and setbacks, so you might as well do something that’s just amazing,” said the President. “America doesn’t aim small. Alabama doesn’t aim small. So, neither do you. So, think big. When possible, think big.”
Coach Saban shared with graduates three pieces of advice. He said to have compassion for other people and be responsible for your own self-determination.
“You gotta earn it,” he said. “Don’t look at somebody else. Don’t blame somebody else. You be responsible for your own self-determination. And have accountability for what your job is and what you need to do.”
Coach Saban also said it’s not about beating the other guy. It’s about working to be the best you can be. Saban left graduates with Martin Luther King Jr.’s Street Sweeper Speech — one he used to encourage players over the years.
“Then, he goes on to say, ‘if you’re gonna be a street sweeper, be the best street sweeper in the world,’” Saban said. “Sweep the streets like Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. Like Shakespeare wrote literature. Let them put a sign up that said, ‘The best street sweeper in the world lives right here.’ And, if you do that, you’ll accomplish the best there is in life.”
President Trump encouraged students to not just build a strong portfolio, but to build a stronger America. “Because this is Alabama. And, in Alabama, you fight, fight, fight!” said President Trump. “And you win, win, win. That’s what you know how to do. Congratulations to you all, congratulations to this great class of champions. God bless you, and God bless America!”
President Trump said this class continues the legacy of Alabama legends who “blazed the trails”, and gave America victories. That includes Willie Mays, Jesse Owens, and many others.
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