Ryan Seacrest To Grads: Trust Your Gut

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest returned to his old stompin' grounds at the University of Georgia Friday night to offer the commencement address in Athens, GA.

Seacrest attended the University of Georgia more than two decades ago before moving moving to Hollywood to become a radio and TV personality.

But on Friday, he returned to offer words of wisdom and encouragement to the class of 2016 and receive an honorary degree from the school, which he said was a proud moment for his mother "who's been waiting 24 years to see me in this" (referring to the graduation regalia).

During his speech, he told the grads to always trust their guts, and illustrated that point when he decided to up and leave college to go pursue his dream.

"I was scared to death, but at the same time I was never more sure of anything in my life."

He added that grads should also listen to people just as much as they talk and always be up for laughing, even if it's at yourself.

But his biggest take-away: "Make sure you happen to the day instead of it happening to you, but no matter the circumstances, you still only get one shot to make a day that matters," referencing a tragic accident that recently took the lives of four UGA students, according to 11alive.com.

"Each of the 5,552 members of this class has a story worth being shared, and tonight we're here to celebrate all of you," he said. "You have the tools you need. You are equal to the challenges that lie ahead...Class of 2016, this is your day and your amazing life is waiting for you. Go make it happen."