"Three Pieces of Advice" | HGSE Convocation 2026

Why It Matters

The remarks reframe success away from credentials toward relationships, lifelong learning and bold inquiry, signaling a values-driven approach graduates can apply in education, policy, and leadership roles. Emphasizing gratitude and big-picture questions may influence how new leaders prioritize inclusion and systemic thinking in their careers.

Summary

At HGSE Convocation 2026, the Morningstar awardee delivered three pieces of advice to the Class of 2026, grounding each in personal stories. She urged graduates first to thank the communities and caregivers who made their achievements possible, illustrated by a tribute to her mother, a CODA and longtime sign-language interpreter, and argued that learning — not diplomas — defines a person. Second, she encouraged students to ask audacious, generative questions that reach beyond problems solvable within a single lifetime, a lesson drawn from her abuela. Throughout, she connected these messages to service, accessibility, and carrying learning into real-world action.

Original Description

The prepared remarks of Morningstar Family Teaching Award winner Liya Escalera.

Read more: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/news/26/05/three-pieces-advice

Harvard Graduate School of Education Website: http://www.gse.harvard.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/hgse/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvardeducation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvardEducation/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@harvardeducation