WOLF BLITZER: INSPIRES THE CLASS OF 2017.

• Position: INSPIRING ENVIRONMENT: #SQUADGOALS

Before he became an Emmy Award-winning journalist and CNN anchor, Wolf Blitzer had to learn to show up, be curious and work hard. He inspired High Point University's Class of 2017 to do the same when he addressed them on the Roberts Hall Lawn on May 6.

Blitzer, who said he began his journalism career as a "young man sheepishly introducing myself" at the Reuters News Agency in Tel Aviv, Israel, also told the 10,000 people in attendance that the first major assignment he turned in to an editor drew heavy criticism.

"I thought maybe journalism wasn't for me," Blitzer said. "Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe I should consider quitting. But you know what? The next morning I showed up for work and the next day and the next days after that. I didn't give up.

"It stuck with me throughout all of my experiences, and I'm glad it did. I've been showing up for work every day since then. And life, as you will learn, graduates, is about showing up day after day, week after week. People notice when you show up, when you put your head down, when you work hard. You won't always succeed. You won't always be the best. But nothing in life comes easy. So show up, be on time and be ready to work."

His early experiences learning from tough editors and veteran journalists, covering events in the Middle East and then joining CNN in the 1990s as a military-affairs correspondent, gave him the kind of grit he encouraged graduates to have. And while the world will always experience turmoil, Blitzer told graduates and their families that they all play a vital role in moving it forward.

"We take our responsibility as journalists very seriously, and we do it because we want to make sure people like you are ready to take the mantle and lead our country," Blitzer said. "I mean that quite seriously. People like you, Class of 2017. Among you may sit future leaders, maybe presidents, maybe members of Congress, school board members or city council chairs. Our democracy will not survive without you being very much involved, and we won't be our best without you showing up, working hard, practicing your craft and treating everyone fairly and with kindness."

As is tradition at HPU's graduation, a bald eagle soared over the graduates at the end of the ceremony to symbolize the ideals of free enterprise, independence and the ability to pursue new opportunities in America.

The university bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to David Cottrell, parent of HPU graduate Leah Cottrell...