Commencement Speech

——Cristian Mejía ("Outstanding SFRUC Graduate", Class of 2025)

Dear Renmin University Authorities,
Dear Professors,
Dear Colleagues and Fellow Students,

Please allow me to begin by thanking the Renmin University Authorities for being here today.

My name is Cristian Mejía. I come from the other side of the world—from a small country nestled among mountains, jungles, and the sea. A nation called Ecuador: small in size, yet immense in heart and spirit. I come from the Americas, the New World, which has contributed so much to humanity.

And though I miss and love my homeland every single day, I can confidently say that I have found a second home, a second house, here in China—here in Beijing. Yes, the Americas have given much to the world, but China is now offering the world a vision of a new path—one defined by independence and hope.

And that is what I want to say about today: hope. Hope for the future force that unites us all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.

Setting our differences aside, on this day of joy and celebration, we are also confronted by uncertainty, staring at us with challenging eyes. Therefore, we must rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity before us. That is the common thread that binds us together from this day forward.

When we face the world beyond the protective arms of our school, teachers, and families, we must confront it with courage—with strength and confidence in our knowledge and values. The world is not an easy place, but we walk our path with trust in the destiny that Heaven has assigned to us, craving each day for new adventures, challenges, and experiences.

We are young, and as the future of our nations, we must strive—using the best of our abilities—to build a better future for our families, our communities, and our countries. That is something I have learned in China.

This is not an easy country. Here, you compete with the best minds in the world. Here, you must learn to stand on your own from the very beginning. Here, you must fight and persevere, every single day. But I always say: if you can make it in China, if you can make it in Beijing—you can make it anywhere.

My journey at the School of Finance of Renmin University has been one of growth, both intellectually and personally. Being part of one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions has provided me with access to exceptional resources—world-class faculty, cutting-edge research platforms, modern data labs, and a learning environment that constantly pushes you to think critically and globally. But beyond the academic rigor, it was the daily life among brilliant peers, engaging seminars, and endless hours of study and collaboration that truly shaped my understanding of finance and my view of the world. I leave Renmin not only with knowledge, but with a deep respect for discipline, hard work, and collective progress.

Today, we prove that we are here to endure, to thrive, and to become the best versions of ourselves. We are here to represent the very best that our schools and our countries can offer the world.

Our parents have given us the chance to live meaningful lives, as productive members of society. Our professors have given us the knowledge to improve the world around us. Now, we possess the foundation, the tools, the values, and the vision. We have our arms and hands to work hard, our legs to walk far, and our minds to soar even further.

And above all—we have hope. Hope in the bonds that unite us as friends and as brothers and sisters.

Today, on the day of our graduation, we are once again united as one body, facing the future together. Thank you!

v  Cristian Mejía, Junior Partnership Consultant, Institutional Engagement, Operational Partnership Department. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).