One of the songs from the Broadway musical "Hamilton" talks about being in the room where it happened. When it comes to certain events, being in the room can make it much more memorable, and often carries a greater impact than reading about it, seeing it digitally, or watching it at a later time. So it was with President Donald Trump's special commencement address to the 2025 graduates of The University of Alabama. There was a weight, an electricity, and a spirit of joy and optimism that cannot be fully explained or translated.

Coleman Coliseum, where Trump gave the address, seats 15,383. On Thursday, this venue was more than three-quarters full, not just with the students and parents who came out in force, but also with other dignitaries and guests, with administration, faculty, and graduates robed and capped in full pomp and circumstance.

When legendary UA former football coach and G.O.A.T. Nick Saban introduced the president, Saban said:

"It's certainly an honor for me to be here and participate in this historic event, to be able to introduce President Trump to address the graduates you know here today. So, it's a special moment for me. But I got to be honest: I feel like I'm the warm-up band for the Rolling Stones, and the first song in their set is, 'You Can Start Me Up.'"

Saban then introduced the president to rousing cheers. The ovation threatened to drown out the strains of "Hail to the Chief," only ending in chants of "USA," which added further weight to this historic event. Once everyone quieted, one person shouted out, "We love you, Trump!"

It is clear: Alabama loves President Donald Trump. But President Trump equally loves the state of Alabama. 

Trump greeted the crowd and said, "What a nice-looking group this is!" Then gave homage to the University of Alabama, UA President Stephen Bell, AL Gov. Kay Ivey, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and the Alabama Republican elected officials in state and local government. 

Trump then congratulated the 6,600 graduates, the largest graduating body in UA's history, and declared:

"It's going to be an even more promising tomorrow, I promise you that. You're the first graduating class of 'The Golden Age of America.'"

Trump lauded UA and its accomplishments and congratulated the student body for their achievements. He also celebrated his first 100 Days in office and the administration's accomplishments. But, as prognosticated, the speech was rimmed and augmented with reaching out and passing on the American legacy to the next generation, and the graduates listened with attention and focus that was in no way faked. I have walked in three higher education commencement ceremonies and attended countless others on behalf of family and friends. I could not tell you who any one of those commencement speakers was. This 2025 graduating class will not forget that President Trump gave this address, and that he spoke directly to them.

As Trump once more lauded UA for its accomplishments, he congratulated them for their "world-class" achievements in men's and women's sports. Trump received huge cheers and applause, especially among the women in the room, when he affirmed:  "As long as I'm president, we will always protect women's sports." 

But the hallmark of the speech was Trump sharing what he has learned throughout his 78 years of life, and sparking a vision for a better America that can only be accomplished if this generation continues in the fight. Trump took the opportunity to take a well-deserved dig at Harvard University.

"The Alabama class of 2025, standing here before you with this magnificent career. It is clear to see the next chapter of the American story will not be written by the Harvard Crimson. It will be written by you, the Crimson Tide!" 

Trump rounded out his address with 11 specific life lessons. An interesting number, that was given with personal anecdotes, homages, and hat tips to people from whom Trump learned most. 

In brief:

1. Maximize Your Youth.

"You can have great success at a very young age[...] In America, with drive and ambition, young people can do anything."

2. Love What You Do. 

"I rarely see somebody that's successful that doesn't love what he or she does." 

Trump talked about how he loves to work hard, because he loves the work that he does; and we all know the work that he has done has changed over the years, all the way up to the presidency. 

Trump further opined:

"But if I didn't find it fun, I wouldn't be successful."

3. Think Big.

"If you're going to do something, you might as well think big. I know a lot of people, they've thought small, they were very smart. I know others that weren't nearly as smart, but they had a better picture of the big picture, because it's just as hard to solve a small problem as a big problem and it's just as much energy and everything else, except the result is going to be a smaller one. So, love what you do and think big if it's possible."

4. Work Hard and Never Stop. 

Trump pulled positive examples from his friend and golfer Gary Player, who he says is not the biggest or the most skilled golfer, but Player wins championships because he works hard. Trump also paid homage to his greatest mentor, his father.

"I learned by watching [...] his life and love for what he was doing; he had a great long-term marriage. Many, many, many years. [To his father]: You beat me on that one. 

"One of the most successful things done by him; close to 70 years [of marriage.] But you know what I learned from him? That he just loved life and all he did was work. And the people that don't work harder are miserable."

5. Don't Lose Momentum. 

Trump also warned that one must be aware when momentum is shifting or lost. 

"Momentum is very important. You have to know when it's your time. You have to know when your momentum time is up."

6. Be an Outsider. 

Trump himself is a living, walking testimony to this, so he knows no other way. He said:

"Progress never comes from those satisfied with the failures of a broken system; it comes from those who want to fix the broken system. If you want to go to the top, you're just never going to do it unless you break the system. [...] You really do, you have to break the system a little bit and follow your own instincts. But if your vision is right, nothing will hold you down. Nothing. You have to have the right vision."

7. Trust Your Instincts; Lean Into Common Sense. 

Trump encouraged:

"Trust your instincts, common sense. You'll go very far in life with common sense."

8. Believe in the American Dream.

Trump's advice was short, sweet, but so Chef's kiss.

"Everybody should believe in the American Dream. It's real, it's there, and it's right before you."

9. Think of Yourself As a Winner. 

Trump referenced the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale, and elicited applause when he said:

"Don't consider yourself a victim. Consider yourself a winner. In recent years, too many of our young people have really been taught to think of themselves as victims and blame people and be angry. Don't be angry. In America, we reject that idea that anyone is born a victim. Our heroes are the ones who take charge of their own destiny, make their own luck and determine their own fate. Despite the odds. Despite all odds. 

"That's what happens: They take, really, they give it as little chance in many cases... very little chance of success, and they become the most successful people in the world. Whether you were born rich or poor, Black or white, male or female. In America, anyone can be a winner, and our whole country will be cheering you on. And I'll be at the front of the line cheering you on[.]"

10. Be Original. 

This is also the embodiment of Trump's career and life, and he has leaned into being exactly who he is.

"The all-time greats were people who had the confidence to be a little different. [...] God only created one of you. Remember that. You're all different, some are close, but nobody is the same. You're one of a kind so don't try to be someone else. Just be yourself."

11. Never Give Up. 

"Finally, and most importantly, never ever give up. Never give up. Never give up. [...] I've learned that perseverance is everything[....] Victory is right around the corner." 

Trump concluded:

"I think you have the chance to be the greatest generation in the history of our country.[...] I am absolutely confident that the Alabama Class of 2025 is up to the task. Are you up to the task? [...]  Don't just build a strong portfolio, build a very, very strong America. Stronger, prouder, better, and more unified than ever before. It's going to be."

Editor's Note: President Trump is leading America into the "Golden Age" as Democrats try desperately to stop it.  

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