A graduation ceremony speech delivered by a canteen worker at a university in northeastern China has touched both students and millions of internet users.
Liu Xiaomei, a canteen cook at Yanbian University in northeastern Jilin province, addressed graduates of the class of 2025 on June 20 as a representative from the logistics support department.
Her speech went viral online, racking up 5 million likes on one leading social media platform alone, the Yanbian Daily reported.
“As a service worker at the canteen, I feel honoured to be part of the beautiful youth period of your life,” said Liu, dressed in her cook’s uniform and hat.
“You often ask me, auntie, why do you have such a good service attitude? Why do you always smile? It is because I think you are far away from your hometown and it is not easy for you to study.
“If I work harder, perhaps you will be happier and your parents will feel more assured.
“At home, you are the baby of your parents. At school, you are the baby of uncles and aunties. This is the message from all of us staff from the support department,” Liu added.
She became emotional in the middle of her speech.
“I am trying to constrain my mood, but I cannot control my feelings when seeing your lovely faces,” Liu said.
She also urged the students to eat well and not to rely too heavily on delivered food and instant noodles.
“Promise me that no matter how busy you are, you will always eat well and take care of your health,” she said.
She added that she and her team had prepared 15,000 dumplings for the graduates that day.
“This represents our good wishes for you. I hope all of you have splendid prospects,” said Liu.
A video clip of the speech showed some female students weeping.
Yanbian University is a major institution in Yanji city of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin.
Liu’s speech has been broadcast by state media such as People’s Daily and CCTV.
“No one talks to me in this way except my mother,” said one online observer.
“This canteen auntie is the best business card for Yanbian University,” said another.
While a third person said: “The auntie’s speech warms our hearts. It hints that this school cares about its students. How lucky these students are!”