Taylor Swift Receives Honorary Doctorate From New York University

Swift was invited to make the commencement speech at NYU.

Taylor Swift received an honorary doctorate of Fine Arts from New York University on Wednesday and told graduates that everything would be all right, echoing the sentiments of her hit single “Shake It Off.” The 32-year-old urged students to make the most of their choices.

As she began her speech, Taylor said, “I’m 90% sure the main reason I’m here is because I have a song called “22”,” she joked.

Taylor Swift Receives Honorary Doctorate From New York University. Photo Courtesy

Despite not receiving a four-year college experience, Swift used her almost 20-minute speech to give the recent graduates “life hacks” on navigating post-graduate and early career life, including “life can be heavy,” to “learn to live alongside cringe.”

“I have some good news: It’s totally up to you. I have some terrifying news: It’s totally up to you,” she added, dressed in a purple robe and black mortarboard at the graduation ceremony in Yankee Stadium.

She praised the graduates for taking on the challenge of attending college during a pandemic. “Never be ashamed of trying – effortlessness is a myth,” Swift said.

The Grammy winner was among three recipients of honorary degrees from the university. It was the first college degree for Swift, who performed on concert tours while in high school.

NYU offers a course on Taylor Swift, including her evolution as a creative music entrepreneur.