FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON SPEAKS AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE, SAYS HE GAVE HIS 1ST SPEECH IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA BACK IN 79

Former President Bill Clinton has delivered the commencement address at a small, private women's college in Columbia SC. Clinton spoke Saturday at graduation ceremonies at Columbia College on the invitation of retiring president Caroline Whitson. Clinton met Whitson, a fellow Arkansan, before his failed U.S. House bid in 1974. Whitson and her husband also stayed at the White House during Clinton's presidency. "I gave my first speech in Columbia," said Clinton. "It was at the request of then Governor Dick Riley, Sept 23 1979. I'm getting old." Clinton also shared some of his life experiences over the years as President. He urged students to follow their dreams. "The real personal value of the university diploma is that it gives you more choices and power to follow your heart and mind," said Clinton. "It's my experience that people are happy doing what they're best at. But importantly do what it is you wish most deeply to do. Then it doesn't feel like work." His words touched summa cum laude graduate Amanda Bowman. Saturday, she received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts in dance.