Will Young, renowned musician and advocate for mental health, expressed heartfelt sentiments on the importance of generosity and authenticity during his acceptance of an honorary degree from the University of Exeter.
Returning to his alma mater two decades after graduating with a politics degree and subsequently winning the inaugural Pop Idol in 2001, Will was visibly moved by the recognition, describing himself as “proud” and emotionally overwhelmed.
Throughout his career, Will has achieved success with six top-charting albums, received two BRIT Awards, and ventured into television and radio as both an actor and presenter.
Beyond his musical achievements, Will has made significant contributions to mental health awareness through his podcast ‘The Wellbeing Lab’, spanning two seasons, and his recently published books ‘To Be A Gay Man’ and ‘Be Yourself And Happier’. His upcoming album, accompanied by the single ‘Falling Deep’, is slated for release in August, followed by an autumn tour.
Reflecting on his student days, Will fondly recalled memories of his time near the Duryard halls of residence in Exeter, including visits to the nearby Esso garage.
During his speech, Will highlighted his decision to openly discuss his sexuality during his time on Pop Idol, despite advice against it from program producers. He emphasized staying true to oneself and having faith in public acceptance, which he believes was vindicated by his experience.
Will also candidly discussed his battles with depression and the impact it has had on his life and career, advocating for honesty and openness about mental health struggles.
Addressing the graduating class, Will acknowledged the challenges many face in silently coping with internal struggles, urging them to find trustworthy individuals to share their emotions with, cautioning against those who may not understand or support.
He advised graduates to prioritize kindness and empathy towards others while maintaining personal boundaries and integrity. Will stressed the importance of resisting societal pressures, embracing imperfection, and avoiding comparisons with others.
Drawing on personal experiences, Will shared a touching anecdote about how small acts of kindness, such as receiving weekly pictures of sausage dogs from DJ Jo Whiley during his treatment for depression, profoundly impacted him and underscored the lasting effects of generosity.
In closing, Will encouraged the audience to consider the lasting impact of their actions on others, emphasizing the profound significance of generosity in fostering meaningful connections.
Will Young’s acceptance speech resonated deeply with attendees, encapsulating themes of authenticity, resilience, and compassion, making a lasting impression on all who were present.
