“Mum, I always told you I’d come back and get my degree.”
One of many parents’ nightmares is hearing that their child is dropping out of school. So naturally, Mark Zuckerberg paid this sweet, tongue-in-cheek tribute to his mum when he got his degree… only about 13 years late.
The famous dropout was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree at Harvard’s 2017 commencement. Mark’s unconventional beginnings are now the stuff of legend — he left Harvard without completing his degree in 2004. Of course, all’s well that ends well — he went on to found the social media giant we all know and love.
(Image Credit: Mark Zuckerberg/Facebook)
The tech whiz also made a heartwarming mention of his parents in his commencement address. He recalled fondly, “How many of you remember exactly what you were doing when you got that email telling you that you got into Harvard? I was playing Civilization and I ran downstairs, got my dad, and for some reason, his reaction was to video me opening the email.”
“That could have been a really sad video. I swear getting into Harvard is still the thing my parents are most proud of me for.” Well, now that he’s finally gotten his degree (and become a billionaire along the way), we are sure his parents are jumping for joy!
Meeting his wife
(Image Credit: Mark Zuckerberg/ Facebook)
Continuing in this nostalgic vein, Mark made a special mention of another important person in his life, his wife Priscilla. He revealed the hilarious pick-up line he used on her:
“I had just launched this prank website Facemash, and the ad board wanted to “see me”. Everyone thought I was going to get kicked out. My parents came to help me pack. My friends threw me a going away party.
“As luck would have it, Priscilla was at that party with her friend. We met in line for the bathroom in the Pfoho Belltower, and in what must be one of the all time romantic lines, I said: ‘I’m going to get kicked out in three days, so we need to go on a date quickly.'”
What woman could resist? Fortunately, Mark didn’t get kicked out, and he and Priscilla hit it off, eventually falling in love.
Here’s the full clip of his commencement address, where he gives wise advice to graduates on purpose and community-building. Definitely a video worth watching for all those who strive to create a better world for our children!
ALSO READ: Mark Zuckerberg’s sweet tribute on his 5th wedding anniversary
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