Houstonian and gold medalist Simone Biles gave the commencement speech at Washington University in St. Louis. Video courtesy of Washington University. "Success in academics like in athletics, requires sacrifice and dedication. There is a lot of fun along the way. But to make it to the top, you also really need to find joy in the work. People often refer to me as the GOAT. Not the animal, but the greatest of all time. I'm not going to lie, every once in a while it does give me chills thinking about what I've accomplished in gymnastics. But I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Being the goat was never the goal. All I ever wanted was to be the greatest human that I could be. My goal was to be the greatest Simone Biles of all time. I wanted and still strive for today. And when I start to get in my head, in doubt myself, I reflect on what my mom instilled in me from a very young age. And that is to be the best Simone that you can be each and every day. Thank you mom. We are not just celebrating your diploma you're receiving. We are also celebrating you for the work that you put in, for all the sacrifices you made to get here. For all the challenges you have overcome, and we recognize how your time at Washu will continue to help you be the best you you can be. As you move forward in your future endeavors, I encourage you to stay creative. No matter what your goals are or what you're working in, prioritize your creative thinking. Because no one, and I mean no one's, success is a straight line. In order to be the greatest of all time, embrace the opportunity to be a leader. Keep an eye on the rearview mirror as you pay the trail. For those who may look up to you, who may want to follow in your path as you never know who may be watching. The world doesn't need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don't go as planned. So go out there and write your own story. Only one that you can tell."