Congresswoman Kelly Delivers Bradley University Commencement Address

Nearly 40 years after her own graduation from Bradley University, Congresswoman Robin Kelly returned to her alma mater on Saturday as keynote speaker at the school's winter commencement ceremony.

Kelly encouraged the more than 300 graduates to consider careers in public service as a way of improving the lives of others and "leaving the world better than they found it." Speaking of an early job at a day care center that laid the foundation for her future success, Kelly also encouraged the graduates to take pride in every job, big or small, because they teach skills that may unexpectedly come in handy later in life.

"What I thought was a dead end job was really more of an on-ramp to a career path that eventually led me to Congress," Kelly said. "That's why it's important to do your very best in everything you do—because you never know where that little job will lead you."