The 36-year-old British pop star, known as Self-Esteem, delivered a speech to recent graduates, acknowledging their continuous journey of climbing a new mountain while commending their dedication to their studies. Self-Esteem, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, was formerly part of the folk duo Slow Club but embarked on a solo career after their split in 2017, drawing inspiration from contemporary pop music.
In recognition of her achievements in music and her advocacy for inclusivity and diversity, Taylor was honored with an honorary degree during a ceremony held on Monday. Addressing the audience, she reflected on entering an industry that was predominantly dominated by male musicians. However, she never doubted her ability to achieve success in her career. Recalling her childhood, Taylor shared how she considered every patio and patch of land as a stage, with her grandparents acting as an adoring audience. She humorously mentioned that her pogo stick served as her microphone stand.
Taylor expressed that initially, she believed Self Esteem was simply a cool artist name, but over the past seven years, it has come to represent something more significant. It symbolizes her standing up for herself, staying true to her identity, and never compromising her artistic vision. She emphasized how important it is to find one’s voice and not be silenced, to assert personal boundaries, and remain resilient in the face of online criticism. Taylor also acknowledged the importance of embracing one’s passion and attention to detail as markers of commitment rather than showiness. She concluded by reminding herself of the enthusiastic little girl singing into a pogo stick, understanding that every time she allows herself to be unapologetically authentic, she honors that younger version of herself.
Despite her positive outlook, Taylor admitted that upon learning about the honorary doctorate, she initially felt undeserving, comparing herself to iconic figures like Beyoncé and Michelle Obama. However, as she confronted her insecurities, she realized that the journey of self-belief is an ongoing process. It requires resilience and a daily commitment to oneself. Taylor commended the graduates for their commitment and acknowledged the challenges they faced throughout their studies, highlighting their perseverance and choice to prioritize their own well-being.
She emphasized that reaching this milestone is only the beginning of a new journey, with the top of the mountain representing the end of one’s life. Taylor encouraged the graduates to continue their upward climb, consistently striving for personal growth and achievement.
Taylor’s debut album, “Compliments Please,” was released in 2019 and garnered attention when she performed at Glastonbury that same year wearing a minidress made from Boots Advantage Cards. Her follow-up album, “Prioritise Pleasure,” was released in late 2021 and received critical acclaim, earning the title of the best album of the year by The Guardian and The Sunday Times.
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