Grigoryan Sara: Let's take actions and pursue our dreams!

Editor's note: Grigoryan Sara is a postgraduate at the School of International Education. She spoke on behalf of the international students at the Commencement Ceremony for graduates of Class 2021. Below is the English version of part of her speech which was delivered in Chinese at the ceremony.

Respectable teachers and dear fellow students，

Good morning!

I’m Grigoryan Sara from Armenia，and my Chinese name is Xue Yun. It’s a great honour for me to speak on behalf of all the international graduates at this grand ceremony. Lots of things came to my mind when I was preparing the speech. Our life is like an article with big and small chapters. Today we’re about to graduate, and we are both excited and nervous to open a new life chapter with new goals.

I still remember, how thrilled I was when I received the admission letter from Tianjin University. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable and precious moments in my life. Finally, I had the chance to come to China, to Tianjin and to study in Tianjin University, the first modern university in China. It’s like a dream that comes true. Every time I walk around the campus, I recall the sweet memories of nice people and delightful events, and how much I have enjoyed the picturesque campus in all seasons!

Xue Yun performs Erhu at the University's Spring Festival Party.

The time at TJU is wonderful and precious. Tianjin University provides the international students with a platform of learning and personal growth, leading us to master new knowledge and increase our understanding of Chinese culture. Besides the academic study, we have been offered lots of opportunities to experience different cultures, especially Chinese culture, to take part in activities. I have participated in many activities and competitions, such as “International Cultural Festival”, “Chinese Bridge Competition”, “Reading Comprehension Contest”, “My Tianda Story” a short video competition about the university life, “Pandamic Prevention Knowledge Contest”, “International Students’ Art Creation Contest”, and lots of volunteer activities.

What’s worth mentioning is the culture courses of Chinese Allegro (a traditional Chinese clapper talk) and Erhu (a traditional Chinese string instrument). During the courses, I met many like-minded friends from different countries, who then took me on a wonderful journey of learning their culture and language. I have learned quite a few expressions. Do you know that “哏儿” in Tianjin dialect means “Funny”? “中不中” in Henan dialect asks for agreement, “贼好” in Northeast dialect is “very good”， “Estoy llena” in Spanish means “I am full”, “Kaayfa haluk” is an Arabic expression for “How are you?”, and “Laa gon” in Thai is “再见”. It was an amazing experience.

Xue Yun (left) helps with freshman registration.

As I learned more about China, I fell in deep love with its culture and with my Alma Mater, Tianjin University. I want to take this chance to express my heartfelt respect and gratitude to all the teachers and students who have cared about and supported me during this time, especially to my tutor, Associate Professor Yang Na.

In a blink of an eye, my graduate study has come to an end, but I hope my story with Tianjin University will go on, for I will pursue my PHD degree at the university’s School of Architecture. I’d like to continue to serve as a bridge between China and my homeland, presenting real China, its great culture and lovely people to the world, which is also a consensus held by all international students at TJU.

Culture experience activity at the Great Wall

The last but not the least, I would like to share two proverbs with all graduates. The first saying is “True friendship brings people together, no matter how far they might be”. The second one is “Peak has real significance only to those who climb it, not to those people who just look up to it.”

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Come on, my fellow students! Let's take actions and pursue our dreams!

Thank you!

Editor: Eva Yin