Congratulations to all of you who made it to NKU and successfully graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication! There’s a saying that past successes serve as a crucial foundation for building confidence. I hope your academic journey at the School is a success, and that it will empower you to face the challenges ahead and help you gather strength for the next phase. Whether it’s a small task or a significant one, you’ll feel more confident once you accomplish it. I encourage you to achieve more and succeed in more small tasks as soon as possible after graduation, as this will help build your confidence.
In the School, in NKU, teachers genuinely care about you and rarely criticize you, and sometimes even “pamper” you. This is because, although you are already adults, most of you lack experience in fully engaging with the complexities of the society. In the teacher-student relationship, teachers usually demonstrate tolerance and patience, and resort to a gentle approach. After all, efficient academic progress can only be achieved through mutual trust between teachers and students. Our teachers also treated us like that when we were students. We have learned from our teachers the importance of caring for students. When you start working, it's time to take on greater responsibility. When we’re young, we often find refuge from various challenges. Confronting ourselves and the realities of life can be daunting, but overcoming this struggle is a crucial step toward maturity. You need to be more cautious, engage in self-reflection, and enhance your self-awareness.
Life is short, and time should not be wasted. In the documentary series of 7Up, some children articulate clear plans for their future even when they are under 10, while others gaze ahead with a blank expression. Figuring out what to do is an ongoing self-training that continues as we enter the workforce. Without the supervision of teachers after graduation, it’s vital not to take any moment for granted. You should strive to engage in more activities that reflect your thoughts and dedication, and foster your growth. What is growth? Growth signifies continuous changes and self-improvement.
Would it be too utilitarian and pragmatic to focus on successes and progress? Well, I'd say our NKU graduates should aim higher rather than just skating by and settling for being “couch potatoes” in real life. You possess many admirable qualities. You’re honest, kind-hearted, brave, capable, and trustworthy. We anticipate that you will work harder, act responsibly, and make contributions to your work and even to your country upon graduation. In the future, you may experience a wistful longing for your days at the School and NKU. The emotional ties between you and this place will grow stronger. Just now, we all felt emotional and shed tears and laid our true emotions bare. These emotions remind us that nothing lasts forever, and they teach us to treasure genuine feelings, listen to our inner voices, and never lose ourselves, for it’s our inner selves that have boundless potential.
Predictably, you’ll be more powerful and stronger after graduation and entering the workforce. I hope all of you become devoted and responsible. That’s not easy. Each of us faces our own confusions, questions, and pains that may hold us back. Then, how to overcome them? As written in books, we can learn to pass on flame of ideals to those who feel lost! We can bring a brighter future to those who are confused, and point out the path to happiness for those who are painful! Thank you!
