Commencement Speech

——Andy Tan ("Outstanding RUC Graduate", Class of 2026)

To Dean Jia Junxue, Secretary Sun Hualing, esteemed professors, distinguished guests, administrative staff, proud parents, and my fellow classmates: A wonderful morning to you all.

If you had five minutes and the attention of the entire world, what would you say? What would you talk about? There are so many options. But for me, if there is one thing I want us to carry out of these doors today, it is hope.

Stepping into the real world can be daunting. Believe me, I get anxious about it every single day. It is a highly competitive world out there, and the world is so big that it is easy to feel small. But hope is not a gift we wait to receive; it is something we actively give to ourselves. That is the meaning of inner strength. It is waking up and choosing to keep going even when the path is not clear. It is taking that extra step even when it is difficult, like putting in those late nights cleaning up those data sets for our graduation theses in the Lide Building or the library. And it is about showing compassion to others even when it is tough. As Renmin University of China graduates, let us carry this hope to our work, to our homes, and to our families, so that we may be a beacon of light for a better tomorrow.

But we did not build this inner strength in a vacuum. We received it from those who believed in us first. Thank your parents for their endless love and support. I want to especially thank my mom for her love and sacrifice; she is the sole reason I push myself to be something better. Talk to your professors and thank them for pushing you to be something greater. I thank the School of Finance of Renmin University of China every day for believing in me and teaching me the proper skills to create value for other people. Thank the friends who helped you every step of the way. Companionship and support from those close to you can go a long way. And please, do not forget to thank the administrative staff, the university caretakers, the university security team, the canteen employees, and even the store employees for making our stay on this beautiful and historic campus a safe, happy, and memorable one. I am sure we have all had those times after class when we were completely exhausted, and they had the exact right snack at Pingyuan Supermarket to cheer us up.

Fellow graduates, as we leave Renmin University behind and step into whatever comes next, remember the friendships, connections, and memories you have built here. Hope is not just wishing for a better tomorrow. Hope is the courage we summon every day when we step out of our homes.

Never give up on your dreams, never stop seeking truth from facts, and above all, never let go of your hope.

Congratulation to you all. Thank you.

Andy Tan, Senior Analyst, Relationship Transaction Management, Corporate Banking. Deutsche Bank