Jennifer Nettles Inspires Agnes Scott College Graduates to Be ‘Dream Warriors’ [Watch]
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles returned to her alma mater of Agnes Scott College to offer the commencement address to the 2018 graduating class—and after hearing her speak, it would be hard not to leave without feeling inspired.
Nettles, who graduated in 1997 and studied anthropology and sociology, addressed the crowd of new graduates not as an acclaimed country singer, but as one of their peers.
"I am one of you," she said to the students. "And I love it."
Nettles' powerful speech covered a variety of moments that have impacted her life, sharing a story of a particular teacher who encouraged choosing love, not fear, in the midst of the world's current state.
She also encouraged the women to fearlessly run their own lives and be confident in their individual truths.
"I have learned that there can be a disconnection between what I want to do and what I want to be, and that it is important that we honor both. What kind of woman do you want to be?" she pondered to the crowd.
"Not what do you want to do for a living or with your life—but what kind of woman do you want to be," she stressed. "Because I know what kind of women I want you to be. I want you to be fearless dream warriors. I want you to be the boss ladies of your own lives.
"I want you to live authentically in your truth," she continued, her voice filled with passion. "I want you to be so in touch with your truth, that nothing can pull you off of your path. Be kind, compassionate, empathetic, but live authentically and without apology."
Nettles isn't the only country star inspiring grads this season. Recently, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum also served as commencement speakers at their alum, University of Georgia.
Nettles' address to her new peers comes just weeks before she and Sugarland co-star Kristian Bush cross the country on the 2018 Still the Same Tour. Bigger, their first album release in eight years, is set for release on June 8, and includes a moving song in response to recent school shootings titled "Tuesday's Broken," in addition to the understanding "Mother."