Kermit the Frog stepped out of the swamp to give a commencement speech Thursday night at the University of Maryland.
"I realize that today is one of the most important days of your lives, so I am honored to share some words of wisdom about three things that are
close to my heart--Finding your people, taking the leap, and making connections," said the little green guy, sporting a mini cap and gown.
He cautioned the new graduates that, much like show business, life is not always going to go their way: "But the show must go on," he said. "And if you're with your people, you won't have to do it alone because life is not a solo act. It's a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you're with your people."
Kermit's creator, Jim Henson, was an alumnus of the university, and Mr. Frog credits his old pal with teaching him a lot about life, including how we should all share our uniqueness with the world and work together on our goals.
"Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side because life is better when we leap together," he said.
"Kermie," as his on-again, off-again sweetheart Miss Piggy calls him, continued his heartfelt speech with a message of love and connectedness.
He reminded the graduates to take stock of all the people who poured into them throughout their lives, including those who are no longer with them, saying, "That's the thing about love; it sticks with us."
Before leading the crowd in song, Kermit ended with one last message: "If I know one thing, it's important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends, and most of all, stay connected to your dreams. No matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem. The truth is, dreams are how we figure out where we want to go. And life is how we get there."
This wasn't Kermit's first commencement, but it has been a while since his last speech, which was at Southampton College in 1996.
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