Remarks by NTNU President at the 2021 Commencement Ceremony
Good morning graduates, family members, friends, and colleagues.
Welcome to the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2021.
It is my pleasure to speak to all of you on behalf of National Taiwan Normal University. I would like to begin by offering my congratulations to all of our graduates. Congratulations on your academic achievements! May you find much happiness and success as you pursue your dreams!
I am sure this will be an unforgettable commencement ceremony for all of you. Because of the pandemic, this day of joy and celebration has to take on a new form. The way in which we offer you our blessings may have changed; but the expectations we have of all of you remain the same.
Even though we are separated by computer screens, I have no doubt that your college memories—of your classmates, teachers, and everything that has happened during these last few years—are still vividly alive in your minds. You come from all parts of the world, bringing your different experiences and backgrounds with you. And just as your teachers have taught you many things, in the process they have also learned much from you. Thanks to you, National Taiwan Normal University is more diverse and stronger than ever before.
After graduation, you will find work in every field imaginable. I hope you can give full play to your strengths and talents! As you embark on the next phase of your life journey, I ask three things of you.
First, I hope that you can keep your passion for learning, that you will always thirst after knowledge, and that you remain curious. In this fast-changing world, knowledge is our guide, learning sharpens our minds, and curiosity drives us to explore the unknown.
Next, I hope you can learn to look at things from many different points of view, for we live in a diverse society. Always be ready to adapt to change. Examine yourselves closely; make sure you are not being held back by your own self-imposed limitations, by your prejudices, or by a closed mindset resistant to new ideas.
Last but not least, I ask that you be brave, warm, and generous. During the years ahead, you will inevitably encounter setbacks and obstacles; these, however, cannot stop us from our love of life. When things are not going well for you, don’t feel discouraged; when things are going well, don’t forget to lend others a helping hand. In our complex and changing world, always be good and kind to others.
After today, you become the newest and youngest alumni of NTNU. Keep in touch with your alma mater. Let us all work together to build our legacy. I wish you all a happy graduation and a wonderful future.