First of all, thank you to everyone present. Even before we fully understand the meaning of "graduation," so many people have gathered here to celebrate this grand ceremony with us.

I often wonder if the world is just a running program, and we are NPCs constantly refreshing the database. Otherwise, why is it that when I look back on the past three years, it feels like nothing has happened, yet everything has? The TOEFL writing reform, the official switch to computer-based SAT exams, half a year of online classes, the sudden outbreak and reopening of the pandemic—all seem to gradually fade from memory. Yet our past experiences have not been forgotten; they have transformed into building blocks that have shaped who we are today.

I still remember us smiling shyly in class photos in the first year. At the very first introductory assembly, I even diligently took photos of every slide in the PowerPoint, resulting in 34 headshots of teachers and staff preserved in my phone till nowadays, only to later discover the disclaimer, "Images are for reference only; please refer to the real person" (I mean real people are even more beautiful than their photos). That was my first surprise since joining HFI.

Following that, I encountered even more surprises. I met talented classmates and kind teachers, found like-minded partners in clubs, witnessed the talent and confidence of my peers in various performances, and saw schoolmates transforming the campus with art, passion, and creativity. This is one aspect of HFI that I cherish—it's a free and open land where any positive endeavor is welcomed. I also embraced challenges, such as running for a student council president position I never thought of before, and fortunately succeeded, opening doors to new experiences in leadership, connections, and community service.

I've also had moments of confusion, worrying about future university applications and life, feeling a sense of emptiness in the present. However, I feel that the world is real when I get an A+ on an assignment I spent lots of time with, enjoy delicious food with friends, receive recognition for my contributions in class discussions, or get inspired to write a poem by a beautiful sunset. The world also feels real when I reluctantly wake up to the dorm supervisor's "hurry up" every morning, rush to an 8 a.m. class, sneak in a game during night study sessions, or persistently work for a midnight deadline at 1 a.m.

Our lives are made up of small, mundane moments, yet within these moments, we glimpse a broader perspective. We find inspiration in casual conversations with friends, compose creatively, engage in clubs and organizations we love and value, explore social issues, and write academic papers. We care about the cats on campus while paying attention to global affairs. We care about our own well-being while listening to the voices of marginalized communities in society. We learned more than academics.

Since choosing the international study, we have been surrounded by various information—seniors' complaints, parents' expectations, teachers' recommendations—but we bravely forged our own paths. Only after experiencing the pain and joy by ourselves can we now have our own understanding and growth. We have learned that education is a commitment to the community, caring for various groups, respecting others, and understanding ourselves better. Through painful reflections, we realize that the end of education, if it ever has an end, should be humanity instead of university.

We have weathered changes in exams, admissions, and society, experiencing anxiety and worries. Looking back, all we can do is seize the day, strive for continuous improvement, face changes with a positive mindset, and believe that change heralds a better beginning. The proverb " Ten years from now, you will be grateful to yourself for your hard work" truly resonates with me.

For our achievements, we owe gratitude not only to our diligent and intelligent selves but also to the support of everyone along the way.

Thank you to our parents. I am constantly amazed by your accomplishments (like saving enough money to send me to an international school). You are our solid support, both emotionally and financially. You selflessly nurture our physical and mental well-being. You often impart the wit and wisdom of life both intentionally and unintentionally. Now it's our turn to inherit your wisdom and embark on our own journeys. Despite occasional arguments, please remember that I will always love you.

Thank you to our teachers. You have taught us far more than what's in the textbooks. Your kindness and professionalism have shaped a unique charm. Thank you for creating an encouraging learning environment, paying attention to every student in class, and occasionally treating us. Not being able to attend every teacher's class is a regret.

As for my classmates, "completing three years of study at HFI" is just a line on our graduation certificates, but behind that line lies everyone's unique and wonderful story. Some have formed their bands and performed at festival, some have become national-level athletes, and some have won international competitions, while some take monthly city walks in new places, others explore different food spots at weekends, and some capture the beauty of sunrise and sunset every day. Regardless of your choices in life, I want to tell you that you are truly amazing in every sense (especially for surviving three years at HFI). Thank you for the mutual support over the past three years, for the inspiring discussions, and for being a driving force (or pressure) for my progress with your excellence and talents.

Returning to the initial question, do we now understand the meaning of graduation? Each person will have a different answer.

High school graduation can mean everything: you are now an adult, leaving behind familiar parents and home (while parents also bid farewell to the familiar you), encountering people of different races and languages, and adapting to life in a foreign land.

High school graduation can also mean nothing. You are still your parents' beloved child, you still have a warm home, and you are still that young person with unlimited potential. High school graduation is just a small segment of your long journey, a modest milestone compared to what lies ahead.

The greatest significance of graduation is that, at this moment, we are proud of ourselves. We are not born in the best of times or the worst of times; we are born in our time. We are the masters of our own lives. We acknowledge our past efforts and have confidence in our future selves, believing that we are capable of facing the next phase of life, even amidst worries and uncertainties.

I once read a quote: "Look back to understand the life, look forward to live a life." After much contemplation, I'd add: "Look left to embrace those you love, look right to cherish those who love you." Today is a day for us to look back, look forward, look left, and look right. I wish all my classmates the best in finding their paths, no matter which direction they choose to look at. Class of 2024, congratulations on your graduation!