On Behalf of Many, In Service to All
——在清华大学深圳国际研究生院2025年毕业典礼上的发言
2023级资源与环境专业（绿色环境基础设施）硕士生 皮埃斯·奥特维尔（Pius Otwil）
Esteemed deans and directors, faculty members, families, friends, the graduating class of 2025, and honored guests, good morning.
My name is Pius Otwil, and I come from Uganda, a magnificent country at the heart of East Africa, popularly known as the Pearl of Africa. I am deeply honored to stand here today, representing the international students of the class of 2025.
Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the feeling that I had on the day I received my acceptance email from Tsinghua SIGS. Does it feel the same now as it did then? Of course not, the difference is profound. The initial joy has deepened, and the excitement has transformed into a profound sense of accomplishment. The value of this journey has grown immensely, and my understanding of how truly fortunate I am to graduate from Tsinghua SIGS has deepened with every step.
Many students around the world have dreamed of being here, yet for reasons beyond their control, they do not have this opportunity. Personally, I could never have imagined standing here today without the information shared by my current supervisor with the former one. Therefore, this is indeed a strong reminder that, as we celebrate our achievements today, we also carry the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of many alongside our own. Thus, we should not only be proud ambassadors who share the truth about the limitless opportunities we have had here, including the exceptional talent cultivation and empathetic mentorship at Tsinghua SIGS, but also turn the honour into purpose, with a clear intention to serve, uplift, and inspire others. As graduates, there's always one question that keeps coming up, and I'm sure it's one we've answered several times this month: What are your post-graduation plans? Work or further studies? It usually feels daunting, doesn't it? Especially when the future feels uncertain. But one thing is for certain: there will always be opportunities, but the limit is in how many we can pursue at a time. Some of us will begin new careers, others will continue with further studies, and some may take entirely different paths. But no matter which path we choose, always remember that success is measured by empathy, sincerity, and integrity just as much as it is by accolades, titles, and promotions.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank Tsinghua SIGS for nurturing, challenging, and believing in us at every step. To everyone who worked behind the scenes to organize today's ceremony, thank you for making today so memorable and meaningful. To all our guests, thank you for being here with us on this wonderful and unforgettable day. To the entire class of 2025, thank you for the laughter, the challenges we've shared, and the countless memories we've created together at Tsinghua SIGS. In particular, to the teammates of the Institute of Environment and Ecology (iEE) football team, who welcomed and helped me settle in. Thank you for turning this place into my new home and a source of lasting friendship. Let us not only cherish those moments but also continue to extend the 'fighting spirit' that we have coined as our slogan to serve, lead, and inspire others wherever we go. Lastly, to my dear parents, thank you for your unwavering support and the sacrifices you've made so I could stand here today.
Congratulations, class of 2025. Let us take a good look at each other, and say goodbye. But as we part ways, let us continue to learn with openness, listen to our hearts with patience, and live with empathy as we spread the light of the education that we celebrate today in service of a better world.
Thank you.
摄影：黄尹思
编辑：万欣宜
审核：聂晓梅、林洲璐
