The last lesson, and also the first lesson

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The graduation ceremony is the “last lesson” of one’s university years; before students embark on a new chapter in life, their teachers and seniors offer many pieces of advice. These valuable words can help them cultivate their character, discipline themselves, stay true to their original aspirations, and benefit them for life. Looking back at those touching graduation speeches from recent years, there are no formalities or clichés, nor is it necessary to deliver any grand speeches; for the final lesson, we just love to hear such honest truths. 2021 Henan University, Professor Cheng Minsheng: Innocence can dispel greasiness, and kindness can ward off evil. Huang Guoping, alumnus of Southwest University, 2021. In this short life, we will all lose things; so why not be bolder – love someone, climb a mountain, pursue a dream. In 2021, Li Qingquan, President of Shenzhen University: Please forgive me for not wanting to offer superficial wishes that you will have a carefree life and be as happy as the princes and princesses in fairy tales. I don’t want you to come to me crying later and say that fairy tales are all lies. The days to come will not be free of storms; when the boat of life sets sail from the harbor of Liyuan, resilience is the most reliable ballast to help you continue your journey! 2021, Liu Shouying, Dean of the School of Economics at Renmin University of China: You can’t lie down; you’re forced to stay upright. If you lie down, you might starve to death, or you might get stepped on. Therefore, in a world full of uncertainties, you must do your utmost to stay standing; if you can stand upright, hold your chest out and never bend over. Even if something goes wrong and one can’t hold on, one must crawl forward. In 2020, Zhang Qingjie, the president of Wuhan University of Technology, said: There’s no need to live up to the image we have in our minds; the imagination of our generation is not enough to envision your future! 2018, Renmin University of China, President Liu Wei: True wisdom lies in appearing foolish; the most intelligent people are often the most clumsy. Do not strive for short-term advantages – suffering can be a blessing! In 2018, Tan Zhen, the president of Huanghuai University, said: There’s no need to be afraid of those who say you’re not mature enough; don’t worry about those who claim you’re not wise enough. Be bold enough to help the elderly who have fallen, and use kind actions to dispel coldness and indifference. Nor should one readily give negative reviews to delivery drivers who are a few minutes late; life is indeed difficult, and being tolerant of others also helps to illuminate one’s own path. Do not treat watching as a habit; at critical moments one must act decisively, take bold action, and let actions speak louder than words. 2017, Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Professor Gan Yang: Don’t rush for success, don’t fully integrate into society, don’t forget your ideals, and don’t lie during graduation season. 2016 Xiamen University, Professor Zou Zhendong: Be cautious a hundred times in life, but once you must stand up and take action ； Even if one leads a carefree life a hundred times in life, one should love earnestly once ； Even if one must stay within the bounds of decency a hundred times in life, one should still live it boldly once! 2016, Song Xuefeng, President of Nanjing University of Finance and Economics: When you’re staring at your phone screen and walking ahead, don’t forget to look up at the sky as well ； While you’re indulging in selfie shows, don’t overlook the joys and sorrows of those around you ； While you’re busy sharing and liking posts on social media, don’t forget to serve society through practical actions. In 2010, Li Peigen, the former president of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said: Remember, in the future you will likely no longer have the freedom to criticize your superiors, and the relationships among colleagues will probably not be as simple as those among classmates ； Remember, don’t complain too much; success never belongs to those who complain all the time, and complaining is of no use ； Please remember: don’t get lost in the virtual world; you must return to reality in society ； Please keep in mind that \"daring to compete and being good at transformation\" is the spirit of Huazhong University of Science and Technology – and it may well be the key to your future success