LONDON: Education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has graduated from Oxford University in a virtual ceremony.
The activist was also part of the popular lineup in YouTube original, Dear Class of 2020 – where Michelle Obama, Beyonce and more stars came together to celebrate the graduates as in-person ceremonies have been put aside due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Don’t be defined by what you lose in this crisis but by how you respond to it,” she said. “You have gained your education, now it’s time that you go out and use it for the betterment of the world. Congratulations to the class of 2020.”
READ MORE: Malala meets Greta Thunberg at Oxford University
The virtual commencement event was followed by an address from Condoleezza Rice and brought together inspirational leaders, celebrities and YouTube creators to celebrate graduates, their families and their local communities.
The event included popular K-Pop band BTS which brought the Dear Class Of 2020 YouTube event to a roaring close with a 12-minute performance of three songs.
Other stars in the event included Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Shawn Mendes, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
Congratulations on your graduation, @Malala! We’re honored to share your words and celebrate you as a member of the unstoppable Class of 2020. #DearClassof2020https://t.co/dajFzsKVHq pic.twitter.com/jB8NQ915nD
— YouTube (@YouTube) June 7, 2020
Pop singer Jennifer Lopez spoke to the class of 2020 and let them know that difficult times like these are also learning experiences.
“Getting fired? Learning experience. Getting your heartbroken? Learning experience. Graduating during a global crisis? That’s more than a learning experience. It’s a growing experience,” she said. “You’re learning the most important lesson of all: Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, to change.”
Lopez saluted Malala, the commencement speaker who followed her, saying she was honoured to introduce the activist who survived an assassination attempt. “She took misfortunate and turned it into a movement.”
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