U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today delivered the commencement address at Golden Gate University, where she congratulated the graduates on their hard work, accomplishments and highlighted the value of their higher education in today's competitive global economy. Following are her prepared remarks.

Today, we're here to honor the hard work and determination that got you to this day.

California, the West, the ideal of the Golden Gate has long stood as a symbol of opportunity—a gateway to adventure and endless possibility.

Ever since the Gold Rush of 1849, people have been coming to California to find their fortune. ...

I went to an American Idol taping the other night ... and good to see nothing's changed.

I love California because there's a lot about it that reminds me of my native Texas. California has fine-dining and great wine. Texas has fine barbecue and great beer.

California has big waves. Texas has big hair.

California thinks it's the best state in the Union. We Texans know better!

Commencements are very special moments. Most of us spend our days in the comfort of routine—coffee in the morning, fight traffic, work, pick up the dry-cleaning, buy the groceries.

Our palm-pilots and blackberries give us our marching orders and how quickly life can become one never-ending to-do list.

But each of you made a decision to break routine, to do something for yourself, to pursue education. Many of you have done so while working full-time and raising a family—you've made sacrifices, worked hard, and it hasn't been easy.

But because of that choice you've been given a gift. A chance to see the future with fresh perspective and new skills to seize the vast potential your life holds. And I can't think of a better place to begin your next adventure.

California is a place of big dreams—a land of pioneers and risk-takers—a melting pot of diversity that fuels the innovation and spirit of opportunity that is America.

Look around you—your class powerfully represents this. Ranging in age from 20 to 69, representing countries from Thailand to Turkey ... such a rich pool of talent and diversity.

Many of you the first in your family to graduate, some of you earning a Bachelor's, for others it's a Masters ...

But every single one of you understands that education is the stepping stone to a world of much greater opportunity.

So, in thinking on what advice to offer as you embrace this next stage in your lives—I looked for inspiration from something every single one of us has needed or will need at some point to get through life ... Starbucks ...

There are days I don't think I'm going to survive without my tall extra hot soy misto!

And now they not only provide my daily dose of caffeine, but right here on the cup they're dispensing words of advice as well.

Hundreds of quotes—from singers, authors, even regular citizens—collected to inspire. So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you and how they've held true in my life ...

So, for starters: #236 ... "Scientists tell us we only use 5% of our brains. But if they only used 5% of their brains to reach that conclusion, then why should we believe them." ...

If no one ever challenged conventional wisdom or questioned authority think how different... and boring... our lives would be.

So much of what we take for granted—flipping a light switch, flying in an airplane, sending an email, living in freedom—all these things exist because of individuals taking risks. Ordinary men and women, who overcame obstacles, endured ridicule and held true to their ideals.

In this life it's inevitable that you'll face challenges—many of you have learned this lesson the hard way. I know I have.

But, ultimately what matters isn't whether or not you encounter difficulties ... What matters is whether or not you press on when settling seems so much easier and more comfortable. ...

That's why I like #204 ... "Remember your dreams and fight for them. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure."

Nobody likes to fail. I don't like to fail. But let's face it—happens. I tasted failure recently when I was a contestant on "Jeopardy". I came in second ... to the guy who played Lenny on Laverne and Shirley. ...

And I felt bad, because I wanted to win. But at least I could see the bright side.

When you're the Secretary of Education it's a lot less embarrassing to lose on "Jeopardy" than "Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader?"! ... ...

More often than not what may seem like failure can actually open a door of opportunity.

Oprah tells the story of how she was fired from being an on-air anchor and demoted to working on a talk show. ...

Doesn't seem to have worked out too badly for her.

That's why if you can remain open to what life throws your way, roll with the punches, and stay focused and sure of who you are ... then success can be found in the most unlikely places.

Which brings me to #213 ... "Achieving true success is being yourself."

Don't settle for a calling that doesn't inspire or fulfill you. Find what you love and make that your life's work.

In Oprah's case her passion found her—and that's how it was for me too ... of course, my passion doesn't pay quite as well, but that's another story!

Education found me—and it's a calling that drives and motivates me—every single day. In classrooms and communities across this nation, I see the fundamental difference an education makes. It's the difference between a life lived on the edge of promise and one lived in the full embrace of the American Dream.

There's such a hunger for education because there's a deep understanding ... even in the farthest corners of the world ... that education has the power to break the bonds of poverty, foster peace, and transform lives.

Education is a gift and your being here means you're blessed.

The pursuit of knowledge is such a pure and admired value. It's a universal representation of hope—a means to a better life. And, I believe that's part of why the tragedy at Virginia Tech has resonated and impacted us all so deeply.

As President Bush described ... the sanctuary of learning was violated. For such violence and brutality to occur in a place we consider special means all of us feel the pain and horror of those events.

Yet, when something bad happens, education is also a means to get through it—an opportunity to learn from and act on the moment we're in.

The events at Virginia Tech remind us all just how precious life is—how important it is to seize the day, give your kids a hug, take time for that cup of coffee with a good friend, and never take tomorrow for granted. ...

In closing, I'd like to leave you with #209 ... "...the only things we do in this world that count are those things that make the world a better place for those who will come behind us."

No matter what you do in life I want to encourage you to find a way to give back. The impact of that choice will not only improve the lives of others it will enlarge and enrich yours as well.

Education is a great place to serve. Everyone can be engaged in its improvement—as a parent, as a volunteer, as an employer—and I hope it's an area where you'll invest your time and talents.

Going forward, you're now in a unique position to help other Americans understand and achieve the promise education holds for a better life and a brighter future.

And as all of you know, education doesn't stop with a diploma. It's a life-long process. One that you can come back to again and again along your journey to finding your true passion and life's work.

Each of you has a unique calling, a dream that's all your own and with hard work and commitment, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.

Just remember the advice on the coffee cups—take some risks, don't be afraid to fail, and always be true to yourself and the people around you.

And no matter where life takes you—you can be sure of two things: Education will always serve you well ... and there will always be a coffee shop nearby!

Thank you.

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