Simmons College

"As you enter the workplace in this dire economy, you have only a couple of choices. You can be very afraid.or you can be very bold. You can say yes, which is nice or you can from time to time say no, which is essential. Sometimes you choose to speak up. That means climbing out on a limb. Sometimes it means you choose to shut up and let your work speak for yourself. That's what I did last year when I became the target of attack for writing a book that some decided should disqualify me from moderating a vice presidential debate. I could have engaged, but then I wouldn't have been able to do my job. You can choose to participate, to change the world at large, or to change the world in your home or hometown. Whatever it is, I plead with you to choose — something. The stakes are too high. The challenges too consequential. And you are, after all, Simmons women. You've got to be loud."