Good afternoon everyone,

It’s truly an honor to stand here today as a graduate of East China Normal University. But first, I want to introduce myself. My Chinese name is 麦蒂 and I graduated now with a Masters in Political Science. I lived in Dorm No. 1 and when I look back at my journey at ECNU, I’m filled with gratitude, joy, and a little bit of disbelief — mostly because I almost missed the deadline to apply in 2023! I remember like it was yesterday. It was April 30th, I was lying in my bed, thinking about my dream of coming back to China one day. I had visited ECNU in the fall of 2023 as an exchange student. I had only spent 5 months here, but I had such a great time, that I felt it was a dream to be here a bit more long-term. So on that one night, I checked ECNU’s website, I found a program that interested me, but I saw that the deadline was in only two weeks!Yes, you heard that right — just two weeks. So I panicked, I got stressed and I thought “this will never work”. I reached out to Chrissie from ISO, whose contact I still had from 2023, and I told her I was a bit worried if it was realistic to start the paperwork.Her response was immediate and warm:“Are you interested in applying? You are always welcome!”That phrase —“You are always welcome”— became my lifeline. Even when I was overwhelmed and doubting myself in these two weeks of crazily getting together all the government and doctor paperwork, that openness kept me going.

Once I arrived, the support didn’t stop. Emma was my go-to person whenever I had questions — and trust me, I had a few! Emma was always patient, calm, and helpful, and I am very grateful that you are such an integral part of ISO.

But I want to thank others as well. Lily, the most patient person in charge of our dormitory affairs. Olivia, whose cheerful attitude brightened my day whenever I saw her, and Irina who organized this amazing graduation ceremony.

But the International Student Office is more than just a helpful team — they’re the heart of our community. Their efforts in organizing events like the Cultural Festival, Pingpong tournaments and others created moments where we students could come together, share our cultures, and truly feel at home away from home. I will always remember their amazing dance and singing performances at the end of the program — it was a reminder that no matter where we come from, we can all celebrate and create joy together.

The experience of the past two years taught me that being part of an international community is about more than just academic achievement. It’s about connection, support, and friendship across cultures. It’s about feeling that no matter how far from home you are, you’re never really alone.

So, as we graduate and step into the next chapter of our lives, I encourage all of us to keep this spirit alive. Let’s continue to build bridges between cultures, to be welcoming and open to others, just like the International Office was to me and how it was to you.

Thank you once again to Chrissie, Emma, Lily, Olivia, Irina, Peter and the entire International Student Office team. And thank you to all of you, my dear schoolmates, who made this journey unforgettable!

Here’s to all of us — a diverse, global community ready to make the world a better place. Thank you!