Dear fellow students, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning!
How time flies! It seemed we met for the first time yesterday. So you see, “Time and tide wait for no man”. Today is a special day. I’m quite sure it is an unforgettable moment in your whole life. We hold a grand graduation ceremony here for you.
First of all, on behalf of all the students and teachers of School of Foreign Languages, Xinyang University and in the name of myself, I’d like to extend the warmest congratulations to all the students who are going to leave our beautiful campus very soon. Congratulations, Class of 2019! Congratulate you all on your successful graduation!
At the same time, I would give my sincere gratitude to all my colleagues who have been devoting themselves to the sound growth of our students. Thank you for your contribution!
Harbored with the wonderful vision of college life and eager for scientific knowledge four years ago, you entered Xinyang University, where you have spent your gorgeous youth time on your studies, cultivating your elegant tastes and improving your comprehensive abilities. Trees and flowers have witnessed your growth and progress, your sweat and sweet, your pursuit and harvest. It can be said that your understanding and support are indispensable to the reform and construction of our School of Foreign Languages, your endeavor and participation are closely related with the development and expansion of Xinyang University. The spirit of Xinyang University and campus culture cannot be inherited and developed without you. You are not only the witnesses of our university’s flourishing and booming, but also the active participants and contributors of the great project. Your youth figure and your struggle footprint will be engraved in the annals of our university history.
There are 61 students who have been enrolled by famous universities for further studies, including Xu Bei, who will study for her MA in Newcastle University, UK next term. Many of our honor graduates have obtained ideal jobs in diverse fields. You are the source of our pride, we’re proud of you!
Dear fellow students, you’re about to leave the campus, before your departure, as your dean and teacher, I have some words to share with you:
To begin with, you should go forth from this very place with grateful hearts; you should put yourself in the proper position and have right attitude towards your work; you should adapt yourself to the new life and new environment. Great undertaking is waiting for you. Book reading is never enough, the society is a broader and more inclusive classroom. There are so many “firsts” for you to do and to reflect upon. If you are more energized, then you’re more willing to participate, then you’re more likely to become better and smarter. Live your life to its fullest. “The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” If you can’t do the little things right, then you can’t do the big things right. You should start from the very beginning, working from the grass roots, learning from others with humble reverence, pursuing excellence in your career, perfecting yourself, dedicating to your job, striving for your bright future, facing the high and low tide in life optimistically and faithfully.
Second, you should stand high and aim far. Be ambitious, positive and creative. Every day is a new adventure. Make each today see us farther than yesterday. Steve Jobs, one of the co-founders of Apple Inc. once said, ”Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” We only have one life to live. Live it meaningful, live it colorful.
Thirdly, you should be honest, for “Honesty is the best policy”. Keep your promises, have faith in yourself, rely on yourself, trust yourself, forge ahead to make yourself the person you admire most. Dear fellow students, please follow the motto of School of Foreign Languages, that is, “External and Internal Cultivation, Having a Thorough Knowledge of both Western and Chinese Culture”. There is no end to learning. You should always continue learning about the English language, history and culture. Surround yourself with English. Make foreign things serve China. Love our motherland and love our country fellows. Keep the motherland in mind and the whole world in view.
Last but not least, you should learn how to cooperate with others. We are not living on an isolated island. We are members of society. We share one earth. “United, we stand; divided, we fall”. So cultivating team spirit is of extreme importance.
Dear fellow students, you’ll bid farewell to your alma mater, embark on a new journey, usher in a new life, march forward courageously to make remarkable achievements both in your career and in your family life.
P.S. Please remember, my dear friends: School of Foreign Languages, Xinyang University is always your spiritual home, your haven of love! You’re always welcome home! You’re the family members we cherish most. We’re looking forward to receiving any news of yours! I’m missing you now. I’ll miss you more tomorrow.
Bless you all! Bon voyage!
Thank you.
