Commencement Speech

——Ren Valeryia (Class of 2024)

尊敬的各位领导、来宾，亲爱的老师，同学们：

大家好！

我是来自全英文金融科技专业硕士列拉，非常荣幸能够作为毕业生代表在此发言。首先，请允许我代表我院2024届全体硕士毕业生向我们的学院、向我们的导师、向我们的教职员工表达最衷心的感谢和最崇高的敬意！

我们在2022年秋天来到这里，现在到了2024年夏天，要说再见了。两年前，我们带着不同的背景来学习金融。时间过得真快，两年的研究生生活就要结束了。回想这段时间，我们都成长了很多。这两年的经历将成为我们人生中最宝贵的一部分。

Delivering a Graduation Speech is a great responsibility, and to be honest, I have wracked my mind and heart for what I ought to say to you today. I have asked myself what message I should convey. On this wonderful day, as we gather to celebrate our academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the idea that in life “Nothing is Impossible”. As we stand on the threshold of what is sometimes called “real life”, I want to exalt the crucial importance of never giving up.

I come from a linguistic background majoring in Modern foreign languages, and yet here I stand today, having completed a Master's degree in FinTech, honored with a full Chinese government scholarship. I knew the path would not be easy.

Many questioned my decision along the way, asking me, "Are you sure you can do it? Why not just stick to being an interpreter? These doubts echoed around me, and perhaps it was my stubbornness or an unwavering belief in the idea that nothing is impossible in this life. I persisted, pushing through every milestone and learning from every setback, holding onto my childhood motto, "Per aspera ad astra" – through hardships to the stars. And today, I stand before you, a testament to the power of perseverance.

One significant challenge that stands out in my memory is the demanding corporate finance course during my second semester. The complexities of capital budgeting, risk management, and financial restructuring initially seemed daunting, leading me to question my capabilities. However, I tackled this challenge head-on with determination and support from peers and professors. Countless hours spent analyzing financial statements, participating in group discussions, and seeking guidance gradually turned my uncertainties into understanding. This experience solidified my belief in the power of perseverance and collaborative learning in mastering corporate finance.

At one of the top universities in China, The School of Finance provided us with an incredible opportunity to pursue our degrees, guided by exceptional professors and staff. This institution became our home, and our teachers became our mentors and guardians. When we first arrived at Renmin University, we were like fledglings, unsure and eager to learn. Our teachers took us under their wings, nurturing us with knowledge and guiding us every step of the way.

Now, like nurturing bird parents, they are encouraging us to leave the nest and soar on our own. We are ready to spread our wings, to fly independently, to contribute to society, and to honor our teachers by achieving greatness in our own right.

I want to grab this opportunity and especially want to express my personal heartfelt gratitude.

Prof.QIU Zhigang. I want to thank you for all the heated but fun conversations about the blockchain during class. Prof.YIN Chengdong, thank you for your patience and for making me discover my passion for investment. And finally, thank you, Prof.LIU Zhenya, for being my supervisor for the master thesis.

I extend my deep gratitude to the many professors whose guidance was instrumental in shaping my academic journey and future aspirations. Beyond academics, my time at Renmin University also enriched my personal growth. Inspired by the spirit of community, I established the International Student Organization. This initiative aimed to create a supportive environment for international students to navigate campus life, share experiences, and build friendships. Leading this organization was a rewarding experience that taught me leadership, resilience, and the importance of community.

Moreover, my internship at BMW in Beijing provided invaluable practical experience. It offered a firsthand understanding of the Chinese market and its global impact. The dynamic work environment and the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios were enlightening. This experience deepened my appreciation for China's rapid economic development and its pivotal role in global business.

As we look ahead, my journey does not end here. I am excited to continue my further education, where I will pursue advanced studies to deepen my expertise and broaden my horizons. My goal is to contribute to the intersection of technology and finance, driving innovation and creating solutions that benefit society.

In conclusion, as we celebrate our academic achievements today, let us remember that our journeys do not end here. They are merely chapters in the larger story of our lives. Let us carry forward the lessons of perseverance, the courage to pursue our passions against all odds, and the belief that no dream is too lofty to pursue.

让我们铭记这两年的宝贵时光，带着这些经历继续前行。无论未来面对怎样的挑战，我们都要坚信“Nothing is Impossible”。

谢谢大家！