i am the luckiest person in the world commencement address at the university of nottingham
july 17, XX
justin yifu lin
vice chancellor, ladies and gentlemen:
i am grateful for the honor bestowed on me today. at this new landmark of my life, i have a small secret to share with all of you.
i would like to tell you that i am the luckiest person in the world.
i am the luckiest person in the world because at the age of 57 i still have the same dream as the dream that i had 35 years ago at an age similar to many of you here today.
i am the luckiest person in the world because i have a wife who is as supportive to my pursuance of my dream as the first day that i met her 38 years ago.
i am the luckiest person in the world also because i have had many surprises in my life that i have never dreamed of.
i did not make any application to study abroad. however, i was given a scholarship to do phd in economics by the university of chicago.
i did not have any intention to work outside china. however, i was offered the position of chief economist and senior vice president at the world bank.
i did not study at the university of nottingham. however, i am offered an honorary doctoral degree by the university of nottingham today.
at the commencement day, i understand all of you like me 35 years ago also have your own dreams.
my fellow graduates of class XX, i have a new dream today:
let us pursue our dreams together.
let us go ahead! work hard! do our best! never give up!
i am sure like me you will have many wonders that you have never dreamed of in the future.
i am sure every one you will also be the luckiest person in the world!