Hilary Duff Shares Heartfelt Commencement Advice at Northeastern University: Take a Moment to Appreciate Your Journey
Hilary Duff Inspires Graduation Class at Northeastern University
Hilary Duff, the iconic voice behind "What Dreams Are Made Of," took center stage as the commencement speaker for Northeastern University’s graduating class of 2026 at Boston’s Fenway Park on April 29. Her speech offered a mix of humor and heartfelt guidance rooted in her extensive journey through the entertainment industry.
Opening her address, Duff lightheartedly expressed envy for the graduates, sharing that her "formal education ended around third grade" due to her early success as a child actor and subsequent rise to fame as a teen star. She drew upon her experiences to share vital lessons learned throughout her career.
"Just because something is a good opportunity or a good paycheck doesn’t mean it’s right," Duff cautioned the graduates. She reflected on how blind acceptance of opportunities had led her to lose her own voice and emphasized the importance of self-reflection: "I was reacting, instead of asking myself what I really wanted. That realization was a paradigm shift for me."
Recognizing the necessity of personal growth, she explained her decision to step back from music. "I knew I had to change my pattern of saying ‘yes,’ so I took a break from making music," she stated, underscoring that her hiatus was not due to uncertainty about her artistic direction but rather a quest for authenticity.
After achieving significant success with her 2007 album Dignity, Duff shifted her focus towards acting, production, and writing, culminating in her New York Times bestseller Elixir trilogy. She made a professional comeback with Breathe In. Breathe Out. in 2015, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Billboard Hot 100 hit "Sparks."
"I made a choice, and I took a step back. I pivoted. I rebuilt myself… I realized my own agency," Duff said. She encouraged the graduates to control their narratives and not shy away from pausing to appreciate their journeys: "Don’t forget to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come."
The audience’s enthusiastic applause signaled that Duff’s message resonated deeply, marking another successful milestone in her year. Earlier, she embarked on her Small Rooms, Big Nevers Tour, leading to the release of her latest album, Luck… Or Something, co-created with her husband Matthew Koma. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, featuring the radio hit "Roommates," which reached No. 25 on Pop Airplay.
Looking ahead, Duff is set to launch her Lucky Me Tour next month, beginning with two shows at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida, on June 21-22. The tour will visit major cities across North America, Australia, and the U.K., culminating in performances at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes in February 2027.
Duff’s complete commencement speech serves as a reminder of the power of self-reflection and resilience in achieving one’s dreams.
