Academic Speech for Graduation at Institution of Communication Studies (ICS)
Rabia Bouzidi(包瑞迪)
June 2024
Honorable dignitaries and distinguished guests, respected faculty members and students, it is with great humility that I stand before you today. I find myself in the company of scholars, researchers, professors, and students, and though I am a newcomer on the path of knowledge, I am encouraged by this esteemed gathering of wisdom and learning.
A new dawn has risen, filling us with determination to move forward towards a brighter future. Our beginnings, we believe, are promising, and our aspirations are noble and lofty, aiming for great achievements and further enrichment in knowledge.
It is a tremendous honor to stand before you today as we celebrate the culmination of our academic journey at China Communication University. This prestigious institution has provided us with a world-class education, equipping us with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of international communication.
When I reflect on the path that led me here, I am filled with immense gratitude. As an Algerian journalist, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, enabling me to pursue my Master's degree in International Communication. This opportunity not only allowed me to advance my academic and professional aspirations but also to immerse myself in the rich cultural tapestry of China.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to CUC and ICS for their unwavering support. I am also deeply grateful to my home country, Algeria, for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing our media community in China.
This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and dedication of our esteemed faculty members. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all supervisors, whose wisdom and mentorship have been invaluable throughout our academic journey. To all our professors, thank you for imparting your knowledge, challenging our perspectives, and inspiring us to think critically and creatively.Thank you!
Dear outstanding graduates, pioneers of the future and bearers of the torch of development and prosperity, today you have taken a significant step towards new, promising horizons. In the esteemed halls of this academic institution, which has brought us together from all corners of the globe under the banner of knowledge and learning, we have been embraced by the hospitable and gracious people of China. This is a nation that understands the importance of knowledge in building nations and has transformed itself into a beacon of progress and enlightenment for the world. It is from this understanding that we have been given this precious opportunity to learn and grow. Here, at this venerable university——China communication university , we have gained skills and experiences that will secure us a bright future.
Within these academic halls, we have learned to become leaders of positive change in our world, exchanging ideas, knowledge, and cultures in an atmosphere of openness and mutual understanding. We have sown the seeds of love, hope, and respect for different cultures, and today, we stand as a new generation of enlightened thinkers, ready to lead humanity towards a better future.
Our journey here has been a valuable privilege, a significant addition that not many receive. Let us hold deep gratitude in our hearts for China, this nation that welcomed us with open arms and gave us the opportunity to rediscover ourselves and understand the world better. Thank you to China and its warm people who shared their achievements, their beauty, and revealed to us the depth and magnificence of humanity.
Dear graduates, I stand among you today to tell you that today marks the beginning of your journey into the grand school of life. To excel in this school, I advise you to carry with you all that you have learned, for knowledge is power, and there is no greater power than understanding your identity and believing in your capabilities. Be like this magnificent country; you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and solutions, and you have the competence to integrate human and artificial intelligence responsibly to achieve the solutions we strive for.
I also advise myself and you to listen to opinions that differ from our own, to avoid disdain for one another, and to not entrench ourselves in divisions of "us" versus "them." Such divisions only widen the gap between us, making it more difficult to solve problems. Therefore, you must cultivate intellectual openness and acceptance of others to build bridges of communication and understanding.
Dear honorable graduates, you are now equipped to embark on life's journey with all its challenges and complexities. Be responsible, step confidently towards the horizons of a bright future, carrying with you the provisions of knowledge, learning, and high morals.
Congratulations.
Our sincere greetings to you all.