Three years ago, 55 students entered the gates of Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Sciences, full of anticipation.

Time flew by, with 1,095 days and nights passing.

Each classroom recorded their relentless efforts.

Every activity witnessed their gradual growth.

Every honor carried the weight of their hard work.

……

They grew freely, gradually transforming into the embodiment of their dreams.

This summer, they will embark from here,

Moving towards a broader world, and writing even more magnificent stories.

 

The 55 students have experienced an extraordinary three years of high school, including the most challenging college application season. Despite facing significant difficulties and challenges, they have achieved outstanding admission results.

The graduating class received a total of 344 acceptance letters from 6 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and more. These acceptances cover over 30 diverse majors, such as business management, jewelry design, film studies, illustration, bioengineering, and landscape design, showcasing a wide range of personalized career paths.

They have received offers from prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, University College London, New York University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of California, Santa Barbara, Boston University, and the University of Hong Kong.

With offers in hand and great expectations for the future, on the morning of June 16th, the 55 high school graduates, dressed in their graduation gowns, walked through the school’s corridor, accompanied by cheers and applause from the entire faculty and students. They marked the end of their high school journey with a grand graduation parade and ceremony, bringing a perfect closure to their high school years.

 

Graduation Ceremony

Before the commencement of the graduation ceremony, students from other grades delivered a spectacular performance to offer their heartfelt blessings to the graduating seniors in a unique manner. It is worth mentioning that Zheng Shiyun, a twelfth-grade student, also took part in the performance, marking her final act on the stage of her alma mater.

Teachers and parents have witnessed the gradual growth of the 55 students over the past three years. They have been by their side through the hardships and struggles of each passing day and night. On this special day, they extend their heartfelt blessings to the students, proud of their achievements and offering them sincere wishes for the future.

Principal Wang Hua advised them to become future young leaders with a sense of patriotism, a global perspective, and to never forget their roots even when they are abroad. He encouraged them to persevere and strive diligently for their goals.

“Seeing my classmates being sunny, confident, and handsome, I feel extremely gratified and proud! As you are about to embark on new journeys and start your life in different parts of the world, I would like to offer a few hopes and wishes:

1. Always maintain a sense of Chinese identity and national spirit. No matter where you go, you must not lose the essence of Chinese values and national character. Only by carrying the love for your motherland in your heart can you truly embrace the world. The more you identify with and have confidence in your own culture, the more you will be respected by different cultures. Remember, your motherland, your loved ones, and your alma mater will always be your strong support.
2. Courageously face the challenges of the future. Being in a foreign land, you will encounter cultural differences, unfamiliar environments, immense academic pressure, and the loneliness of being far from your family. You will have to independently solve various problems. These are the significant challenges you will face, and the process of adapting to your surroundings and solving problems is a journey of growth. I hope you will bravely face difficulties, embrace personal growth and independence, and believe that you will quickly adapt to your new life.
3. Uphold integrity and strive for excellence, cherishing your youth. Your university life is about to begin, which is a beautiful and critical period in your life. It is important to not only acquire knowledge but also learn how to be a good person. As General Secretary Xi Jinping said in a discussion with Peking University faculty and students, “During the university stage, when you are ‘in the prime of youth,’ with teachers to guide you, classmates to learn from, and vast books to guide you, you can wholeheartedly seek knowledge. If you don’t strive now, when will you? Be diligent in learning, eager to seek knowledge, and focus on internalizing the knowledge you acquire, forming your own insights. You should specialize in a wide range of subjects, care about your country, care about the people, and care about the world. Learn to shoulder social responsibilities.”

Remember the theme of today’s graduation ceremony: “Aspiring Youth, Embarking on a Journey of Excellence. Youth is meant for striving!”

 

Principal Stephen Keown, on the other hand, shared his life insights based on his own experiences and thoughts, providing guidance for the students on their journey ahead.

“As you look into the future with optimism and energy, I wish to share four considerations with you.  Considerations that I hope you will reflect upon as you step into this wonderful new chapter that lies ahead of you.

 

Consideration 1:

Pessimists complain about the wind

Optimists expect it to change

Realists adjust the sails

Life will not be a perfect journey.  It never should be, and never will be.  Accept this reality.  Know that YOU must adjust YOUR sails.  Sometimes you will adjust them correctly and sometimes you will make mistakes when you adjust them.  Be brave – know that life requires us to adjust our sails.  The important lesson is your ability to grow in WISDOM – when and how to adjust your sails.

 

Consideration 2: Time will fly by, but you are the pilot

It seems like only yesterday, that I sat where you now sit.  I am amazed that it is now more than 25 years ago.  Life does fly BUT you are the pilot.  You are always in control of your life.  Never forget that – you have to make the decision how you wish to live your life.  Treat your life carefully – you only have one.

 

Consideration 3: If you do not know where I stand, you will fall for anything

To live a full adult life, you must know who YOU are.  You will need to adjust your sails and life will move fast HOWEVER you must know who YOU ARE.  The modern world will flood your life with messages in the most creative and convincing ways.  Only when you know who you are, can you truly life YOUR OWN life.

 

第四、比较是幸福的敌人。Consideration 4: When you feel that life is difficult, it is good to ask yourself compared with what.

As I said – Life will not be a perfect journey.  All of us have had, and will have, difficulties and challenges.  Learn to stop and step back.  The ability to STOP and REFLECT before acting, is often more important than the action which follows.  It is reflecting that allows you to :

• Adjust your sails
• Fly your life in the direction you choose
• Know where you stand

and

Appreciate that although things will challenge you, there is ALWAYS a solution to be found.

 

Graduates – move into adulthood enthused for the joy that lies ahead.  Learn the lessons that life will give you – this is called WISDOM.  Wisdom cannot be bought or rushed – it is gained as you live your life.  Cherish and strive for WISDOM.  A life that is well lived, is a life that is filled with WISDOM.”

 

Matthew Lewent, the Diputy Head of High School, encouraged students to be daring, fearless of failure, and to embrace their dreams of changing the world.

“But with that excitement and anticipation of the future comes uncertainty and doubt. We are living in an era of great change and great challenges. But I encourage you to embrace the unknown and to have the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Accept the challenge to do something that scares you, to take a risk, to make a difference in the world.

 

As you go into the world and continue to learn and grow, remember to give back. We’ve gained so much from our global community, and we need to share that with others who may not have the opportunities that we have had.”

 

Ericsnow Otieno, Head of Grade 12, reminisced about the time spent with the students and advised them to follow their hearts in pursuing their own dreams.

“What seems certain is that for virtually all of you, world class universities will be the next destination. University education is very expensive, and your parents will sacrifice a lot to see you through it. Do not take that for granted. They do that because they have faith in your abilities, and they know that the returns on this investment will last you a lifetime. You all stand to have better career opportunities and of course greater income potential. However, as you consider your career choices, think of your interests and passions, not just the monetary rewards. Highly paid occupations are worth a lot, but nothing beats the opportunity to get up every morning and make a living doing what you truly love – that is priceless. The one-time US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. So, use your brain but also follow your heart.

Class of 2023, while we look to the past for direction and dream about the future, we must live in the present. Whenever you inadvertently make a mistake, do not dwell on it. Learn from it and move on. Wherever you are on that road to fame and fortune, always remember to be grateful for what you have. Whenever you feel hard done by anything, sit down and count your blessings one by one – they will be many. The elevator to success will always be out of order. You will always have to use the staircase . . . one step at a time.”

 

Economics teacher Ellen Shen sent warm wishes.

“Today, I would like to share some heartfelt reflections and simple words with all of you, hoping to inspire you:

1. Slow down

Slowing down does not mean being lazy or complacent; it means distancing yourself from anxiety and the pursuit of immediate gains. Look at everything natural around us—it unfolds slowly. The sun rises and sets bit by bit. Flowers bloom and petals fall one by one. Crops ripen at a leisurely pace. Sudden natural changes are often disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and torrential rain. Therefore, give yourself time to settle, grow, mature, and savor the significance of the changing process. No matter how fast-paced the world around you may be, let your heart slow down until you can feel each breath. Gradually, you will discover that happiness is not something you need to strive for with utmost seriousness; it already exists in every breath of our lives.

2. Maintain self-discipline

From this moment onward, the protection you receive from your parents and teachers will gradually diminish. You will start to face the world independently, making choices and bearing the consequences. It may sound cool, but it also comes with risks. As you are granted more freedom, do you have the courage and ability to use it wisely? Are you prepared to confront your own laziness, complacency, anxiety, and fear? Can you maintain self-discipline in your studies during your university life, where freedom is fully open? Can you refrain from deception and harm in the virtual world? Can you uphold the conscience and morality deep within your soul amidst the impact of diverse cultures and different values, knowing what to do and what not to do? These thoughts are getting closer to you now. Self-discipline allows us to preserve the purity of our goodwill, making others feel warmth and trust, while your heart will eventually bloom with tranquility.

3. Embrace setbacks

Young people, don’t indulge too much in comfort and enjoyment, for too much ease will ultimately lead you astray from your true selves and forget your original intentions. Do not fear setbacks and difficulties, for those challenging times will teach us reflection and resilience. They will ultimately shape our character and become the strength that propels us forward, ready to face the storms of the future.

4. Read more books

Many of the words I shared today are not my own creation; they come from the many books and articles I have read. When I was confused, they provided me with strength. So, when you feel lost, reflect on the words of Yang Jiang: “The only reason you are not doing well is that you think too much and read too little.”

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet each and every one of you. It is through the encounter with students that the profession of teaching becomes real and meaningful. I wish every student success in their studies, a life filled with peace, health, and happiness!”

 

Derral Gao’s mother, as the parent representative, took the stage to give a speech to the graduating seniors. She reminded the students to love themselves and become their own selves.

“Time flies like a fleeting white steed over the course of three years. The scene of stepping into this beautiful campus for the first time feels like yesterday. You, who were still naive and youthful back then, have now grown into adults, confident, determined, and radiant. You are ready to spread your wings and soar higher towards distant horizons. You are about to embark on an unknown world that is vastly different from your nurturing environment. It is a world filled with unpredictable challenges that cannot be tackled with existing theories or standard answers.

For the past eighteen years, you have lived in an environment blessed by parents and teachers, sheltered from the hardships of the adult world. But now, you are heading towards unfamiliar lands, where you will independently face various uncertainties in life. Without the reminders and supervision of your parents, it is essential to take care of your physical and mental well-being while striving towards your dreams. In the past twelve years, you have received education and assessments in a world where there were always standard answers. However, the world you will face from now on is full of unsolvable questions, lacking standard answers, and it requires you to constantly seek and explore.

I urge you to move forward boldly, think independently, explore the unknown, engage with a broader world, and believe in your unlimited potential. Do not be afraid of cross-cultural collisions, but rather embrace and embrace the diversity of the world. After all, the diversity and variety are the essence of the world. Embrace the uncertainty of this world, wherever you go, whatever the circumstances, as long as there are people, have the courage and wisdom to protect yourselves and survive.

If embracing the uncertainty of the world is my first piece of advice to you as a mother, then gratitude and win-win cooperation is my second piece of guidance. Recognize your own fortune and acknowledge the efforts and foresight of your parents, which have allowed you to stand on their shoulders and take flight. Please see this and be grateful. Recognize your own fortune in receiving teachings and companionship from school principals and teachers who are experienced, excellent, and loving during this crucial period of your growth. Remember these moments of goodness and be grateful. Recognize your own fortune in the three years of boarding in high school, where the teachers in the boarding department cared for you like family and the staff in various positions made you feel comfortable and secure, just like the house-elves in Hogwarts. Do not forget their dedicated service and be grateful.

Lastly, my dear children, I want to tell you that if love, sunshine, and a lifelong positive attitude are the deepest blessings from parents, then loving yourself, protecting yourself, and becoming your true self are the earnest instructions from parents. Now, carry with you the love, courage, kindness, sincerity, unquenchable curiosity, deep thinking, respect, understanding, empathy, strength, self-discipline, and self-love that have been instilled in your hearts by your parents, relatives, teachers, classmates, and all the people who have cared for and loved you throughout these eighteen years. Soar high with these eighteen forms of martial arts and pursue the establishment of your own world. Whenever you look back, you will see our love accompanying you, never leaving your side.”

 

Teachers and parents gave warm advice and encouragement to everyone. As student representatives, the male and female chairs of the 12th-grade student council, Shen Yifan and Zheng Shiyun, shared their experiences and moments of growth during their three years at the school. They emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and finding oneself, inspiring others with their personal stories of growth.

“As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. Today, I know, this is ‘AUTHENTICITY’.

This was the beginning of the comedian Charlie Chaplin’s 70th birthday speech, I quoted this as the beginning of my speech today because it almost covered my high school life. Slowly, I learned to understand and get closer to myself. Indeed, I have almost got no memory of the first school musical I was in. However, I still remember Andy, my drama teacher, who used to say, ‘no one is able to act and sing at the same time. Although being tone-deaf, he will still accept himself and be not afraid.’Here, I first want to thank my parents, who have always supported me unconditionally. My mother rushed here and there, pulling strings together when I couldn’t find a theater.

My father would always be there for every football games of mine. He even once broke his wrist trying to play football with me. They accepted all my restlessness out of daily troubles and shared my joy as well as sorrow.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my counselor Zhang, who has always been such a faithful audience of our drama performances. Most importantly, without you, I would not be able to go to UCL.

Then I would like to thank my roommate, Zhao Hexin. You are a person who is always willing to give. You were dragged into my drama cast to do the lighting, stage design and props. And many times you have to put up with all those wacky ideas of mine at dorm. Thank you for being such a willing listener and active interlocutor. If it wasn’t for you, I would not begin this speech in this way.

Finally, I would like to give my thanks to one of you in the audience. Thank you for your company since grade 9 and your patience to listen to me over and over again when I let out my negative emotions.

There are many more people I would like to thank here, such as my tutor and Maths teacher Li Wei, and two other drama teachers. It is with your help that has shaped me today.

Finally, let me wish the best for all of you here. Don’t push too much of your desires on others, even though this other person may be yourself. I hope that we can all calmly acknowledge ourselves, giving up the tempering of time and the construction of the future, but to do things at our own pace so as to enjoy the happiness in them. I wish you all succeed in your future studies. May you live in the present, not worrying about the future nor tangling with the past.”

At the end of the ceremony, each graduating student stood on the stage and received their graduation certificate and flowers from the school leaders, capturing their shining moment.

After the graduation ceremony, the students bid farewell reluctantly to their teachers, embraced their friends, and took commemorative photos with their parents on the campus, capturing unforgettable moments in each snapshot.

Graduation is not an ending, but a new beginning. Wishing you a smooth start to your new journey, walking confidently towards tomorrow, and exploring a wider world.