For many in the Class of 2025, graduation feels bittersweet. While it's the start of a new chapter, it also comes with an uncomfortable truth: record levels of loneliness. According to the latest Harvard Youth Poll, only 17% of young adults feel a strong sense of belonging, and one-third report anxiety or loneliness. This isolation has serious consequences, including rising rates of depression and even suicide. That’s why, more than ever, learning how to find your people is one of the most valuable skills graduates — and all of us — can develop.
Find Your People: Connection is the New Superpower
In a fragmented world, authentic human connection offers a powerful advantage. Speakers across this year’s commencement stages emphasized that building relationships is not a luxury — it's survival. At the University of Maryland, Kermit the Frog (yes, the Muppet) offered surprising wisdom: "Look around. These are friends you will have for your whole life... life is better when we leap together." Success is rarely a solo act. Being intentional about fostering friendships creates support networks that fuel both personal and professional growth.
Reject the Myth of the Self-Made Individual
Actress Jane Fonda, speaking at USC’s Annenberg School, challenged the harmful cultural myth of rugged individualism. "The idea that we should go it alone is a narrative designed to disempower us," she said. Instead of isolating ourselves in the name of independence, Fonda urged graduates to cultivate deep, values-based communities. Surrounding yourself with people who share your principles provides resilience, joy, and a stronger sense of purpose in uncertain times. True strength comes from standing together, not standing alone.
In the Age of AI, Human Connection Stands Apart
At Temple University, Wired editor Steven Levy tackled a timely question: What makes us irreplaceable in the era of artificial intelligence? His answer was simple — our humanity. While AI can analyze data and mimic human speech, it cannot replicate authentic emotional connection. "The human superpower is our ability to connect, empathize, and collaborate," Levy said. In a rapidly changing job market, the graduates who nurture meaningful relationships will thrive — not despite technology, but because they can offer what technology cannot.
Building Your Tribe Is a Lifelong Practice
From tech leaders like Jessica Livingston to global stateswomen like Jacinda Ardern, this year’s speakers shared a common message: finding your people is a lifelong mission. Livingston advised graduates to seek out “interesting people” who inspire growth. Ardern redefined leadership as the art of “weaving people together” with empathy and humility. And Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reminded us that human connection is not just good for the soul — it's essential for our health. Even a small circle of trusted friends can protect us against the dangers of isolation.
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