Fired Editor To Grads: 'Show What You're Made Of'

In what must be the most livestreamed commencement address in history, recently ousted New York Times Executive Editor Jill Abramson struck a tone of "resiliency" in her speech to Wake Forest class of 2014, her first public remarks since she was very unceremoniously fired by the Grey Lady.

Abramson began by noting that the graduates' accomplishments had "attracted so much media attention," a line delivered to laughs. "As well they should," she said.

Abramson discussed the firing, calling the opportunity to lead the newsroom the honor of a lifetime, but adding that she was in the same spot as the graduates, unsure of her next move. "I'm in exactly the same boat as many of you," she said. "Like you I am a little scared, but excited." Abramson also praised "the sting of losing": "when that happens," she advised, "show what you are made of."

But in response to one student's question as to whether she would get her Times "T" tattoo removed, Abramson said, "Not a chance."