Academy award winner delivers powerful speech to college graduates

'You aren't just following dreams, you're reaching for your destiny.'

The Godfather and Raging Bull icon, Robert De Niro gave a very direct speech during the New York University's Tisch School for the Arts commencement exercises last Friday.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - De Niro made points on what it's like in the real world for aspiring artists and explained that unlike those who graduate with degrees in dentistry, medicine, nursing and teaching, who will possibly all have jobs, students of the arts will have to face a series of rejections.

Howver, De Niro also emphasized the beauty of chasing dreams with passion, rather than the stability after college.

"You discovered a talent, developed an ambition and recognized your passion. When you feel that you can't fight it, you just go for it. When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense. You aren't just following dreams, you're reaching for your destiny," said De Niro, a high school dropout from New York.

He pursued his love for acting and has earned two Academy Awards. His speech was applauded, then the actor added an encouraging warning.

De Niro explained that now that they are out of the university, they will probably be shocked for something they are not prepared for, De Niro said it is not all doomed.

With an inevitable "lifetime of rejection" they are going to face, he encouraged everyone to just do what they can until they reach their dreams, no matter how hard it is.

"The good news is that that's not a bad place to start. Now that you've made your choice, or rather succumbed to it, your path is clear. It's not easy, but clear. You have to keep working; it's that simple."

"If you don't go, you'll never know. You have to be bold and go out there and take your chances." De Niro joked that he himself is still facing rejections, citing that he lost the role of Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma.

He finished his speech alerting everyone that he is willing to hand out resumes and head shots, according to the Daily Mail.

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