Graduation Speech of Student Representative of Conferment of Higher Degrees
Candy, UN SU KEI
Honourable Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms Ao Ieong U, representing the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and the Chancellor of the University of Macau,
Honourable Chair of the University Council, Dr Lam Kam Seng Peter,
Distinguished Members of the University Assembly and the University Council,
Distinguished Rector, Prof. Yonghua Song,
Distinguished guests, dear teachers, parents, and fellow students,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor and a privilege to be the student speaker on behalf of all the graduate students present today. Dear graduates, congratulations! We’ve made it!
Back in our childhood, we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. When I thought about my dream job, I had a million ideas running through my head. “I want to become a doctor!” I want to save lives. “I want to become a pilot!” It’s so cool to fly! Crime films have always fascinated me, and I’ve always wanted to be a cop. We may or may not have the same answer today about what we will be doing, but I am sure we know who we want to be now—a better self with no regrets.
Many people say university is one of the hardest times of their lives. However, I don’t see it that way. As a student at UM for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I found an apparent identity like you—a student who craves to learn more and cherishes every moment on campus. My decision to go to UM was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I am grateful for everyone and everything I have encountered here. I’d like to thank all my teachers from the bottom of my heart. Your dedication to your profession inspires me to be a good teacher. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to build my professional interests without you. Also, I want to thank my classmates, college master, and staff. Throughout my adventures, I never felt lonely in my home away from home because of your support. My university life wouldn’t have been complete without you. Most importantly, I want to say “thank you” to my parents. Thank you for your unconditional love. I know I can always count on you. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you. Even ten years from now, we may forget the exact theories we learned in class, but the knowledge, morals, warmth and love we felt as students will always stick with us. Dear graduates, let’s all applaud our teachers, classmates, and family members!
As we gather here at UM Sports Complex, we’re reminded of another side of ourselves: the persistent one. This incredible moment in our lives wouldn’t have been possible without obstacles or failures blocking us. We might even doubt ourselves if we can achieve our dreams, feeling insecure and uncertain about our abilities. It’s true that good things don’t come easy sometimes, even if our feelings say it’s so. Although it may feel uneasy sometimes, remember there’s always beauty in hardships where we can learn. Life is an exploration and a constant challenge. You’ll never know the result if you don’t even try. Think big. Be confident. Persevere. Persistence, determination, and enthusiasm lead to success. You should never give up on trying and exploring your own potential.
Now, let’s return to the first question about dreams. To be honest, when faced with the complex and diversified array of career options, I don’t have a dream. I have only goals instead of objectives. There is no doubt that dreaming big is a good way to envision more possibilities, however, success is not a dream that should be wished for, but a goal that should be pursued. Many of my friends ask me how I manage to maintain a balance between my studies and my work, while still having some personal time on the side. To answer their question, I believe we should take the initiative by setting attainable goals to turn our challenges into chances. As students, we might have grumbled about how much reading we had to do, but we can make a timetable to get through it. If we blame ourselves for working crazy all-nighters before a deadline, we can learn from the experience and do better next time. I am convinced that we can do everything as long as we have a goal. Our dreams can only be realized by turning them into realistic actions.
Dear graduates, the graduation ceremony today is not the end. Instead, it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Today, as we celebrate this wonderful moment with our families and friends, I hope you can take a lesson back home: You have to get through the rain before you can see a rainbow. Keep in mind that whatever happens to you must be for the best. Don’t leave yourself with any regrets, and you’ll certainly appreciate your decision in the future. As we embark on our new journey of finding our place in this world of limitless possibilities, let’s be determined, persistent, and courageous! Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you someday at the peak.
