Dear Graduating Seniors,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. Wow! Time has gone by so quickly.
We came to the University about the same time back in 2012. I met a few of you that first year and then most of you the following year in my classes. Thanks for all of the smiles, greetings, holiday wishes, and cheerful messages. You will never know how important they were in my life.
In some ways you are just ordinary people and in other ways you are extraordinary. You and students like you will become the backbone of China. From your ranks there will come future leaders. Prepare and be ready! Many of you will be the parents of the next generation. What a privilege! What a responsibility! Only with your best efforts will China be the best it can be.
I know some of you carry mixed feelings about graduation. This university has been your home for 4 years and you have developed some great friendships. Some have regrets about what they didn’t do while they were here. Many of you have anxieties about what you will do in the future. These feelings are very normal. Take the lessons that you have learned and go forward. You are ready.
If I were to give you advice, I would say find something bigger than yourself to live for. Learn to give freely to those who can never give back in return. Give your time, give your talent, and give your money. There is a joy in giving that no one can take away.
China is a beautiful country. Majestic mountains, amazing rivers and waterfalls, and ancient landmarks make it special. But long after my memory of these fade away, there will be the lasting memory your faces and the times that we talked. I used my first language but you used a foreign language in such a special and wonderful way. It has been my privilege and honor to get to know you.
I look forward to hearing from you in the future. Please keep in touch.
Again I say, “Congratulations!”
Sincerely yours,
Your English Teacher Mike
June 8, 2016