Chongqing - In the recent graduation ceremonies of several prominent universities in Chongqing, university presidents took the opportunity to share valuable insights and words of encouragement with the graduating class of 2023. Their speeches resonated with the graduates as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

In the recent graduation ceremonies of several prominent universities in Chongqing, university presidents took the opportunity to share valuable insights and words of encouragement with the graduating class of 2023. (Photo/Yang Fan）

Life is a practice

At the graduation ceremony of Southwest University on June 20th, President Zhang Weiguo delivered a speech. "Today is not only a 'graduation ceremony' but also a 'blessing ceremony' and even a 'departure ceremony.'" 

President Zhang hoped the students would have the courage to explore new opportunities in a changing environment. Understanding reality and exploring the development path in an uncertain environment is a "compulsory course" for everyone. 

He encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams, take the initiative, seize control during crucial periods and important milestones in life, and dare to venture out of their "comfort zone" and choose the right path when faced with a "dead end."

"Ordinary" is the essence of life, but "extraordinary" is the true essence of life. He hoped that the students would create extraordinary lives in their ordinary positions, hone their skills in daily life, pursue excellence in details, and appreciate the sweetness amidst bitterness. 

He said, "Please believe that heaven will never disappoint diligent people. Efforts will always be rewarded, and happiness may be delayed, but it will never be absent."

"Life is a practice, and it is a journey of being and becoming a better person," Zhang said. 

He hoped the students would cultivate their character through virtuous actions, self-discipline, benevolence, prudence, moral principles, and gratitude. In this internet era where everyone has a camera, he warned students to maintain their conscience and kindness, be mindful of their words and actions, and always adhere to their principles and bottom line.

Integrate knowledge and action

Similarly, President Fu Zitang of Southwest University of Political Science and Law (SWUPL) addressed the graduating class on June 21st. He said, "Today marks the final lesson in the university classroom for all of you. I would like to emphasize two "key points": the integration of knowledge and action with moral character and the cultivation of virtue and practical skills."

For the fresh graduates of SWUPL, I expect you to integrate the practical thinking and the fusion of interdisciplinary knowledge accumulated over the past four years into your future studies and work. Excel in every task within your cognitive field and maintain a genuine curiosity to understand matters beyond your realm of knowledge, enriching your experiences and broadening the scope of your life.

For the newly graduated master's students, President Fu urged them not to settle for fragmented information or fast-food knowledge but to apply their personal insights, creativity, and organizational abilities to pioneer in new fields, construct new research paradigms, and develop new capabilities, aiming for the peak and reaching higher heights in life.

For the newly graduated doctoral students, He hopes everyone can integrate knowledge and action. It means fully understanding that academia is not just a profession or career but can also be a pursuit and a source of joy. It involves utilizing the independent academic abilities cultivated through intensive thinking and research during doctoral studies. It means not being arrogant or complacent, staying grounded in one's own role, and combining the ability to summarize developmental patterns, innovate research paradigms, and break free from fixed thinking with new knowledge, theories, and mechanisms.

President Fu mentioned, "In the age of ChatGPT's generative artificial intelligence, accessing vast amounts of information is no longer a challenge. However, grasping the essence and understanding the true meaning of principles requires facing countless painful choices and undergoing numerous trials in practice. You must thoroughly understand yourself, make comprehensive predictions about the problems at hand, possess the courage to 'trial and error,' and be adept at deriving the wisdom to make correct choices from failures."

Great mountains rise from tiny particles

On June 27th, President Gao Xinbo also delivered a message to the students at the Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications graduation ceremony.

President Gao pointed out that in the current era where selfishness is prevalent, as the youth of the new era and as university students, they should possess lofty ideals and aspirations and, above all, hold firm to their inner convictions.

In this age where cheap happiness is easily obtained through short videos and games, many people have wasted their prime years seeking comfort and drifting aimlessly. Many others have squandered their youth due to indecisiveness and reaching too far. Great mountains rise from tiny particles, and magnificent buildings begin with accumulated soil. Even the grandest ideals require starting from the most minor steps, demanding unwavering focus and persistent efforts.

Gao Xinbo emphasized that embarking on the path to the greater self requires the courage to step out of one's comfort zone and embrace complex tasks.

He gave examples that these challenges might be challenging goals, significant setbacks, new jobs, or unfamiliar cities. Engaging in difficult tasks involves embracing challenges with perseverance to achieve success and facing setbacks with resilience and the determination to bounce back.

Gao Xinbo mentioned that one can only climb to the mountaintop by humbling oneself.

He said humility is a vital quality on the path to the greater self. Humility is not self-deprecation but a broad-mindedness, a mindset, and a life principle that allows individuals to treat others with equanimity, respect, and gratitude, regardless of their own achievements, positions, or accomplishments.

It could be as simple as expressing sincere gratitude when receiving a food delivery, offering a smile and nod to sanitation workers while passing by, or giving warm hugs to parents and deeply bowing to mentors. One must understand that nothing in this world should be taken for granted, whether it's a peaceful environment, good health, or development opportunities. Knowing contentment leads to easy happiness, and practicing gratitude brings one closer to happiness.

Regardless of circumstances and the magnitude of achievements, President Gao expressed his hope that the students would maintain integrity, kindness, and diligence throughout their lives.