Distinguished Principal Bowen, Mr. Moses, Ms. Liu, Chairman Zheng, faculty members, parents, our beloved alumni, and friends of the SHBS community, thank you for being present here today!
And for my fellow Shanghai Hongrun Boyuan School Class of 2023, congratulations! This is the day!
Four years ago, when I first stood on the stage as a representative of the freshman class, I imagined what kind of community we would build together, what kind of relationships we would form with each other, and what joys and excitement we would spark on this beautiful piece of land. In my speech, I said, "I hope that one day when I introduce SHBS to people, I don't want to explain that I go to a random international school in Zhujiajiao. Instead, I want to introduce it with honor, introduce it as a community filled with love and the most loving people." Now, four years later, I think we can proudly say, ladies and gentlemen, Class of 2023, we have done it!
I want to thank many people—my parents, family members, mentors, friends, and all those who have supported me. However, I want to dedicate a moment exclusively to expressing my greatest gratitude and respect for Principal Liu. Ladies and gentlemen, let's all give Principal Liu a well-rounded applause for all her efforts, dedication, and love! I have never seen anyone so firmly believe in a noble vision, a vision that's all about sacrifice and love. I can’t remember how many times when I fell into darkness, it was always Principal Liu who illuminated my world.
I was so lucky to have mentors who have shaped who I am today. Mr. Moses, who is arguably the smartest person I've ever known, taught me humility, discipline, and respect—all of which one could learn the hard way. His AP US History class made me realize that even getting an A in class is nothing compared to the infinite pursuit of knowledge, and that suffering, confusion, and sometimes getting lost are necessary steps in our lives to achieve excellence. I also want to thank my beloved mentor, Steven Bonta, who introduced me to philosophy, political science, and humanities in general, igniting my intellectual curiosity that helped me navigate this world, which can often seem so wrong.
My fellow Class of 2023, I think it's a great opportunity now for us to reflect on all those beautiful moments and stories we shared together. All those jokes and memes we shared, all those ice cream cones we enjoyed, all those basketball, ping pong, and tennis games we played together! Those cherished memories shall cascade through our minds like a flowing river of milk and honey!
As Dr. Martin Luther King famously and eloquently said, "We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead." Folks, from now on, we must never indulge ourselves in comfort, unmindfulness, and indifference. From now on, we must dedicate ourselves to reflecting on who we are, challenging what we believe, and fighting to making a difference.
Once again, on behalf of the SHBS Class of 2023, I'd like to thank you all for being here today. And folks, happy graduation! Congratulations!
