梁婧桐Jade

华附国际部2022届毕业生，

初中毕业于广州执信中学，

在21/22海外大学申请中获美国加州大学洛杉矶分校、南加州大学、

加州大学戴维斯分校、

加州大学圣塔芭芭拉分校、

威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校、

哈佛福德学院，

英国帝国理工学院等录取。

Dear teachers, faculties, families, and fellow students of class of 2022,

Good afternoon, I’m Jade, Jingtong Liang. Today, I’m honored to be here and give this speech.

Three years ago, in the same stage, for the same audiences, class of 2020 graduate Richard Li had shared with us “how to survive in HFI”. There were reminders like “stop procrastination”, “find and explore passions”, “engage with the community” and so on. We, class of 2022, all did it, probably except the first one, as it has been a viral trend to be a ddl fighter. Congratulations! Don’t hesitate to give yourself a thumbs-up!

Especially in these three years, the world is drastically changing, and we have to embrace these many uncertainties. In the busiest and most stressful junior year, we were suddenly told to take the ACT instead of SAT, with only three examinations opportunities. We had to in a short time fulfill the complicated GAC requirements, and adapt to ACT’s limited reading periods, special science questions, and digital format that we can no longer highlight and take notes for important clues. AP was moved to online as well. My AP European History Test started at 1 a.m. on May 20th, and I had to deliberately stayed up till 4 a.m. for several days before to temporarily change my circadian rhythm. This year, some of us have to travel to Hong Kong. With quarantines and risks of infections, we had to leave home and school for almost a month. Summer Colleges were either cancelled or moved to online, so we could not visit universities and personally feel their vibes. The enthusiasm of face-to-face discussions, of wearing lab coats and using fancy equipment, and of interacting with foreign classmates vanished. The International Days for the past two years could not be hosted in person, and we could not feel the excitement of selling, yelling, cooking, and performing.

I’m not telling you what we lost, but what we gained and learned. These three years teach us how to cope with sudden changes, to create the most out of what we have, and to be satisfied with what we have.

We transitioned to ACT, to TOEFL home edition, to AP online tests, to online summer schools and research programs, and never stopped learning new things in new ways. We hosted an online carnival of International Day in 2021, made videos to introduce cultures and sell products, tried alternative virtual charity run, and still donated several thousands. Most importantly, we cherish more each moment of meeting each other in person, of talking happily with teachers, of seeing cute cats in the grasslands, and of performing spectacularly on stage. 

Each academic year, we took online classes for some time. They were never dull and boring as our lovely teachers tried their best to make online classes fun. Creativity like Mr. Six’s diverse themes of dress code and Helen’s idea to draw “together at home” colorfully on A4 papers enlivened the Tencent meeting room. With Jenny’s and Ken’s patient and detailed instructions of past exam papers, we were never behind schedule of revision. Toby as usual warmly greeted each one of us, asking about our daily life and my strange angle of camera, and never missed one class even though he was in the airport or lining for a covid test. Biology classes were fun all the time as Lilian invited the last person coming in the meeting room to sing. It is the mixture of online and offline classes that make our high-school experience unique and unforgettable.

HFI students not only survive but also make changes. We initiate, inspire, and influence. We engage, envision, and enlighten.

In Year 9 of junior high school, when selecting which international school to go to, I was told that at HFI, I can always find someone to cooperate with and achieve something big. Yes, indeed. The student body of HFI, of Class of 2022 is so vibrant and encouraging that everyone endeavors to make the surrounding community better, to embrace diversity of ideas, backgrounds and perspectives, and to exert voices to turn imagination into real impacts. I can easily find friends to join my project, can freely share my beliefs, can do what normal high school students dare not. Class of 2022, you have inspired me greatly.

Mike and Louis directed the very first Fine Arts Week and Got Talent Show, in which we appreciated the fantastic drama productions of Hamilton and “We don’t talk about Bruno”, the collaborative show “La La Land” by Fusion and Musical, Peter, Rachel, and Esther’s show of rhythm game, Jack’s magic show, Bryan’s experiment of hypnosis and meditations, and the exhibition with photos of cute cats. This year, we can even draw freely on canvases. I am genuinely moved by the power of arts, creativity, life, nature, and ourselves, generation z. Class of 2022, we make HFI dynamic, artistic and engaging.  

In these three years’ sports meetings, we shouted for Jemmy, Emily C and X, Sammy, Ning, and others who challenged themselves and broke records. Jemmy was faster than others for more than 200 meters in 800 meters run, and earned medals for almost all the games she participated; Emily did not give up on racing despite of leg injury; Sammy enrolled in the 1500 meters run for two years and practiced every day for better performance. Their persistence, honor, and steadfast belief prove that anything is possible as long as we try and fight. And of course, huge thanks to responsible volunteers and photographers who support them from time to time. Class of 2022, we make HFI inspiring, athletic, and cohesive.

I could never forget the cute Santa costume, the surprise of Santa Penny breaking into each classroom, the warm hug from Santa Aurora, chocolates from Judy in Christmas Eve last year. Psych Club’s Santa Hug definitely marked the best Christmas I have ever had. Thank you so much for the generous spread of love! Class of 2022, we make HFI friendly, fun and interactive.

Coming into such a diverse environment, I am immediately enlightened by the many symposiums on different social issues, the discussions of books and texts, and the sharing of fun facts and knowledge with friends who have common interests or majors. Ariel’s podcasts on philosophy, Judy’s psychology and nutrition knowledge, Zimo’s thorough analysis on literatures, biology students’ sharing of latest researches, AP Lit’s spiderweb discussions, UnBOOKlievable’s discussion on Hermann Hesse and modernism, workshops of the Debate Club are merely an iceberg. We strive to speak out, to learn about the world, to look ahead for solutions to social issues. to Class of 2022, we make HFI academic, awe-inspiring, and eye-opening.

For each big events in these three years, I will definitely go to see Fusion’s shows. I see the passion of Alexander, Tiffany, Shirley, Elaina, Doris and many others who persisted from year 10 to 12, the innovation to grasp small light bulbs in hands, and the inclusiveness of new members who would like to try dancing after college application. In this year’s final showcase of Fine Arts Week, each dance is so stunning that I start to realize what a big step we take from the beginning to today, from a freshman to a senior. The sound and light effects, the emotions and atmosphere, and the strength of each move are conveying what HFI students are capable of. We take courage to try everything that interests us, take initiative to influence and help others, and take advantage of all resources to stand out and prove ourselves. 

What enables HFI students to shine during unpredictable times?

I believe it is resilience and initiatives—two important lessons I learn in HFI and want to share with you today.

Life is nothing like a bed of roses for anyone. There are low times when we could not get everything we want, and have to face problems and adversities. It is harder especially for us, who leave families and friends, and walk into a new environment alone. What we can do is to make the best of the circumstances that we cannot control, to look at the brighter side and be flexible, and to manage negative feelings and calm down. Be a person with resilience, with a strong heart, with self-awareness. When there is an emergency or a sudden change, try to immediately find out the reason behind and formulate a plan B to minimize negative outcomes. When we are not accepted into a program or an internship, try to be aware of our weaknesses and to improve them as much as possible. Most importantly, try to build a system to manage sensations and impulses. You could write down how you feel after being informed of bad news, analyze your flow of emotions, and think of what you can do to relieve and release negative emotions. For me, it would be listening to certain songs, watching TV dramas, chatting with friends or parents, walking around the campus to calm down and think about how to prepare for the next opportunity.

Resilience is also knowing clearly about our strengths and weaknesses, our passions and dreams, and our unique personalities and mindsets. Coming into a new university, we want to achieve many things: a double or even triple major, minors and certificates, a start-up project and so on. Nevertheless, we could not do everything but anything: be aware of what we are capable of and what we truly desire. Grasp one or two major fields to dive deep into, let the rest go and enjoy.

I still remembered what Delia said when explaining an SAT reading passage: it is easy to ignore the tiny but unique happiness in our boring daily routines; those who can find and cherish these moments are great. When we are rushing for goals, for expectations, for dreams, take time to appreciate the casual magic of life: a nice cup of coffee, a new song, a serene sunset, a random come-across of old friends, and many lucky moments to preserve. When we see the surroundings through a new lens and discover the small, beautiful things, we gain a newfound courage to enjoy the bright side and a stable and strong inner self to face dangers in life. Be self-assured.

I believe many of us have experienced “aha” moment, when an idea or inspiration suddenly popped up in mind to do something big, something different. We feel the thrill of brainstorming and polishing creative ideas and plans, the excitement for the future that these creations may help someone, and the sense of achievement that we have grown up to be able to initiate, to voice, to change. However, at such a young age, we do not have as many resources, social networks, and skills as famous brands, celebrities, and KOLs. We may not make as huge impacts as imagined.

How can we let more people know what we are doing? How can we connect with them? How can we build an enterprise from scratch? Even though some of you do not fancy the idea of start-up and entrepreneurship, you may definitely wonder how to promote yourself, how to step out of the comfort zone, and how to do something your peers could not, such as an internship in the coming summer holidays.

I would say, the answer is initiative. Initiative is not only creativity of ideas, but also the vision to see problems of the society, the courage to put yourself out there, the determination to change the status quo, the faith and power to keep mission-driven. Be discerning about what the society lacks, where inequality lies, which group of people should be cared for. Be bold to reach out and promote your proposals. Your teachers, mentors, friends may be potential investors, advisors, and partners. If you do not yet have a strong social network, try to build one, pitch to everyone you meet, and let them know your unique visions, which come from self-awareness. Be visionary to take minimal viable steps towards a goal, and stick to the path.

The past three years, HFI provides us with freedom and resources to initiate and reform. In the near future, universities and the society will be grander stages for us to initiate and create. With resilience and initiative, we can make a difference. 

Today, we graduate from HFI, and embark on a brand-new journey exploring the unknown. Shortly, arriving in a different nation, we will gain new identities, enter a new stage of life, meet new people, and of course face new challenges. Adulthood, college life, relationship, culture shock, homesickness… There are many to undertake. Do not panic. Try to create and enjoy happiness out of boring daily life, try to ask yourself what you truly want, try to keep your own pace. And, of course, do not forget to catch up with friends and teachers now sitting beside you, and call your parents who always stand behind you.

Now, I may take some time to give huge thanks to my teachers and friends, for the educational enrichment, life wisdoms, support and trust.

I’m grateful for the kind reminder from Joel to “stay safe”, the funny stories you share with us about the crowded metro line 3, the inspiring recap questions, and the precise timing of classes. As a biology major, I learn many from your teaching.

Thank you, Toby for your book recommendations and note-taking tips. I’m grateful for reading and analyzing Educated, To Kill a Mockingbird, Macbeth, The Great Gatsby and so on in freshman year. Though it took much time and efforts to take notes, it inspires me to pay attention to details in books.

Thank you, Mr. Frost, Matt, and Ms. Lindsey. I’m grateful for your instructions on writing, literature, and historical analysis. When I had difficulties in essay writing and literature analysis in junior year, you back me up.

Thank you, Yolanda, Jenny, and Ken for your detailed instructions and sharing fun facts in biology and medicine. I am confident to transition to science courses in university.

Thank you, Lilian for inspiring my love for biology. Thank you, Rachel, Susan, and Mary for your patient and responsible teaching that builds the foundation for my AP science courses.

Wendy’s introduction of astrology, the famous quote about reading and vocabulary, and book recommendations; Delia’s thorough explanations of each SAT and ACT passage, the magic to clearly know why each choice is right or wrong, and genuine advices for study and life; and Helen’s helpful exercises of conversations and discussions, advise to write reflections, and passion for Spanish all build my confidence to go beyond and look ahead.

Thank you, Ford for supporting and funding UnBOOKlievable. Thank you, Yuki, Jessie, Sylvia, and Meg for assisting my college application, giving me detailed advice, and trusting me to host reading seminars for underclassmen.

I am honored to be your student.

And of course, huge thanks to my teammates in UnBOOKlievable, C.L.A.P, and Giver; to my fellow biology majors, Jemmy, Louis, Aurora; and many other friends. You make these three years incredible.

Thank you, and congratulations, Class of 2022!

（中文版）        

亲爱的老师们，老师们，家人们，以及2022届的同学们：

下午好，我是梁婧桐。今天，我很荣幸能在这里发表演讲。

三年前，在同一个舞台上，面对同样的观众，2020届毕业生李瑞哲（Richard Li）与我们分享了“如何在HFI中生存”：“停止拖延”、“寻找和探索激情”、“建设社群”等建议。我们，2022届毕业生，都做到了。可能除了第一点，因为成为一名DDL战士已经成为一种病毒式的趋势。祝贺！！！不要犹豫，给自己点赞吧！

特别是在这三年里，世界正在发生剧烈的变化，我们必须拥抱这些众多的不确定性。在最繁忙、压力最大的大三，我们突然被告知要参加ACT而不是SAT，只有三次考试机会。我们必须在短时间内满足复杂的GAC要求，并适应ACT有限的阅读时间、特殊的科学问题以及我们无法再突出显示和记录重要线索的数字格式。去年的AP考试也被移到了网上。还记得，我的AP欧洲历史考试从5月20日凌晨1点开始，考试前几天我不得不故意熬夜到凌晨4点，以暂时改变我的昼夜节律。今年，我们中的一些人不得不去香港考AP。由于隔离和感染风险，我们不得不离开家和学校近一个月。夏校要么被取消，要么被转移到网上，所以我们不能参观大学，也不能亲身感受他们的氛围、 面对面讨论的热情、穿着实验服和使用高级设备的热情、与外国同学互动的热情都消失了。过去两年的国际日无法亲自主持，我们无法感受到销售、叫卖、烹饪和表演的兴奋。

我不是在告诉你我们失去了什么，而是我们得到了什么，学到了什么。这三年教会我们如何应对突如其来的变化，如何最大限度地基于我们所拥有的来创造、改变。

我们过渡到ACT、托福家庭版、AP在线考试、在线夏校和研究项目，从未停止以新的方式学习新的东西。我们举办了2021年国际日的在线嘉年华，制作了介绍文化和销售产品的视频，尝试了另类的虚拟慈善跑，仍然捐赠了数千美元。最重要的是，我们更加珍惜每一个面对面的时刻，每一个与老师愉快交谈的时刻，每一个在草原上看到可爱猫咪的时刻，以及每一个在舞台上精彩表演的时刻。

每个学年，我们都会参加一段时间的在线课程。当我们可爱的老师们尽最大努力让在线课程变得有趣时，他们从不枯燥乏味。像Mr.Six的不同主题的着装要求，以及Helen在A4纸上画出色彩缤纷的“一起在家”的想法，这些创意让腾讯会议室变得活跃起来。由于珍妮和肯的耐心和对过往真题的详细指导，我们的复习从未落后于计划。Toby像往常一样热情地问候我们每一个人，询问我们的日常生活，即使在机场或在排队验核酸，他也从不缺课。生物课一直都很有趣，Lilian邀请最后一个走进会议室的人唱歌，花样的表演让我们的课程从不枯燥。正是线上和线下课程的结合，让我们的高中生活变得独特而难忘。

HFI学生不仅能“战胜改变”，还能“做出改变”。

初三时，当选择去哪所国际学校时，我被告知，在HFI，我总能找到合作的人，并取得重大成就。的确，2022届HFI的学生团体是如此充满活力和鼓舞人心，每个人都努力让周围的社区变得更好，接受不同的想法、背景和观点，并发出声音，将想象力转化为真正的影响。我可以轻松地找到朋友加入我的项目，可以自由地分享我的信念，可以做正常高中生不敢做的事情。2022届的同学们，你们给了我很大的启发。

Mike和Louis指导了第一届美术周和达人秀，其中我们欣赏了Hamilton和“We Don t Talk About Bruno”的精彩戏剧作品，Fusion和Musical的合作节目“La La Land”，Peter、Rachel和Esther的音游表演，Jack的魔术表演，Bryan的催眠和冥想实验，以及可爱猫咪照片展览。今年，我们甚至可以在画布上自由作画。我由衷地被艺术、创造力、生命、自然和我们自己的力量所感动。2022届毕业生，我们让HFI充满活力、艺术和魅力。

在这三年的运动会中，我们为Jemmy、Emily C和X、Sammy、Ning等挑战自我、打破纪录的人呐喊。Jemmy在800米赛跑中比其他人快了200多米，几乎在她参加的所有比赛中都获得了奖牌。尽管腿部受伤，Emily并没有放弃比赛。Sammy报名参加了两年的1500米长跑，为了取得更好的成绩，她每天都在练习。他们的坚持、荣誉和坚定的信念证明，只要我们努力奋斗，一切皆有可能。当然，非常感谢负责任的志愿者和摄影师，他们不时地支持他们。2022届毕业生，我们让HFI变得鼓舞人心、充满活力和凝聚力。

我永远忘不了可爱的圣诞老人服装，圣诞老人Penny闯入每个教室的惊喜，圣诞老人Aurora的温暖拥抱，去年圣诞夜Judy的巧克力。Pysche理心社团的圣诞老人拥抱绝对是我过的最好的圣诞节。非常感谢你们如此慷慨地传播爱与快乐！2022届毕业生，我们让HFI变得友好、有趣和互动。

来到这样一个多样化的环境，我立刻被许多关于不同社会问题的研讨会、书籍和文本的讨论，以及与有共同兴趣或专业的朋友分享有趣的事实和知识所启发。Ariel关于哲学的播客，Judy的心理学和营养学知识，Zimo对文学的透彻分析，生物学学生对最新研究的分享，AP Lit的Spiderweb讨论，BOOK思意关于Hermann Hesse和现代主义的讨论，辩论俱乐部的工作坊只是一座冰山。我们努力畅所欲言，了解世界，展望社会问题的解决方案。对于2022届毕业生，我们让HFI变得学术、令人敬畏、令人大开眼界。

这三年的每一次大型活动，我都一定会去看Fusion的演出。我看到了Alexander, Tiffany, Shirley, Elaina, Doris, 和其他许多人的热情。他们从10年级坚持到12年级，创新地在跳舞的时候手抓白色小灯，包容地教授新成员（他们在申请大学后想尝试跳舞）。在今年Fine Arts Week的舞台上，每一支舞蹈都是如此令人惊叹，我开始意识到我们从开始到今天，从高一到高三，迈出了多么大的一步。声音和灯光效果，情绪和气氛，以及每一个动作的力量都在传达HFI学生的能力。我们勇于尝试自己感兴趣的一切，主动影响和帮助他人，利用一切资源脱颖而出，证明自己。

是什么让HFI学生在不可预测的时期大放异彩？

我相信这是韧性和主动性——我在HFI中学到的两个重要经验，今天想与大家分享。

对任何人来说，生活都不是称心如意的。有低潮的时候，我们不能得到我们想要的一切，不得不面对问题和逆境。这对我们来说尤其困难，我们离开家人和朋友，独自走进一个新的环境。我们所能做的，是充分利用我们无法控制的环境，看到光明的一面并灵活应对，管理负面情绪并冷静下来。做一个有韧性的人，有强大的内心，有自知之明。当发生紧急情况或突然变化时，尝试立即找出背后的原因，并制定Plan B，以尽量减少负面结果。当我们没有被项目或实习录取时，试着意识到我们的缺点，并尽可能地改进它们。最重要的是，尝试建立一个系统来管理感觉和冲动。你可以写下你得知坏消息后的感受，分析你的情绪流动， 想想你能做些什么来缓解和释放负面情绪。对我来说，这将是听某些歌曲，看电视剧，与朋友或父母聊天，在校园里散步，冷静下来，思考如何为下一个机会做准备。

韧性也是清楚地知道我们的优点和缺点，我们的激情和梦想，以及我们独特的个性和心态。来到一所新的大学，我们想要实现很多事情：双专业甚至三专业，辅修专业和证书，创业项目等等。然而，我们不能做任何事情，只能做任何事情：意识到我们的能力和我们真正的愿望。抓住一两个主要领域深入研究，其他的就让它去享受吧。

我仍然记得Delia在解释一篇SAT阅读文章时说过的话：我们很容易忽视无聊的日常生活中微小但独特的快乐。那些能够发现并珍惜这些时刻的人是伟大的。当我们为目标、为期望、为梦想而奔忙时，花点时间去欣赏生活中不经意的魔力：一杯好咖啡，一首新歌，一次宁静的日落，一次偶然的老朋友相遇，还有许多值得保存的幸运时刻。当我们用新的视角观察周围的事物，发现微小而美好的事物时，我们就会获得一种新的勇气去享受光明的一面，并获得一种稳定而强大的内在自我去面对生活中的危险。要有自信。

我相信我们中的许多人都经历过“啊哈”时刻：当一个想法或灵感突然出现在脑海中，我们感受到头脑风暴和打磨创意想法的激情。我们很激动地想象这些创造可能会帮助一些人，这些创造证明了自己的成长、给予了自己由衷的成就感。然而，在这么年轻的时候，我们并没有像名人、明星和KOL那样拥有那么多的资源、社交网络和技能。我们可能不会产生想象中的巨大影响。

那么，如何让更多的人知道我们在做什么？我们如何与他们联系？我们如何从零开始建立一个企业？尽管你们中的一些人并不喜欢创业，但你们肯定想知道如何提升自己，如何走出舒适区，如何做一些同龄人做不到的事情。

我会说，答案是主动。主动性不仅是思想的创造力，更是洞察社会问题的眼光、投身社会的勇气、改变现状的决心、保持使命驱动的信念和力量。辨别社会缺乏什么，不平等在哪里，哪一群人应该得到照顾。大胆接触并推广你的策划--你的老师、导师、朋友可能是潜在的投资者、顾问和合作伙伴。如果你还没有一个强大的社交网络，试着建立一个，向你遇到的每个人”推销“，让他们知道你独特的愿景。要有远见，朝着目标采取最小的可行步骤，并坚持走这条路。

在过去的三年里，HFI为我们提供了发起和改革的自由和资源。在不久的将来，大学和社会将是我们开创和创造的更大舞台。有了韧性和主动性，我们就能有所作为。

今天，我们从HFI毕业，踏上了探索未知的崭新旅程。很快，来到一个不同的国家，我们将获得新的身份，进入人生的新阶段，认识新的人，当然也会面临新的挑战。成年，大学生活，人际关系，文化冲击，思乡…有很多事情要做。不要惊慌。试着在无聊的日常生活中创造和享受快乐，试着问问自己真正想要的是什么，试着保持自己的节奏。当然，别忘了与坐在你身边的朋友和老师保持联系，并常常打电话给一直支持你的父母。

现在，让我来感谢亲爱的老师和朋友们，感谢他们的教育、智慧、支持和信任。

我很感谢Joel“注意安全、注意身体”的善意提醒，您与我们分享的关于拥挤的地铁3号线的有趣故事，详细的Recap问题，以及”精准“的上课时间。作为一名生物专业的学生，我从您的教学中学到了很多。

谢谢Toby，谢谢您的书籍推荐和笔记技巧。我很感激在高一的时候阅读和分析了《你当像鸟飞往你的山》、《杀死一只知更鸟》、《麦克白》、《了不起的盖茨比》等等。虽然做笔记花了很多时间和精力，但它激励我关注书中的细节。

谢谢您，Mr. Frost、Matt和Ms. Lindsey。感谢你们对写作、文学和历史分析的指导。

感谢Yolanda、Jenny和Ken的悉心指导和分享生物学和医学方面的有趣事实。我有信心在大学里过渡到科学课程。

谢谢Lilian，您激发了我对生物学的热爱。谢谢你们，Rachel，Susan和Mary，谢谢你们耐心和负责的教学，为我的AP科学课程奠定了基础。

Wendy的占星学介绍，关于阅读和词汇的名言，以及书籍推荐；Delia对每一篇SAT和ACT文章的透彻解释，清楚地知道为什么每个选择是对或错的魔力，以及对学习和生活的真诚建议；Helen的对话和讨论的有益练习，写备考计划的建议，以及对西班牙语的热情都建立了我超越和展望未来的信心。

感谢Ford对BOOK思意的支持和资助。感谢Yuki、Jessie、Sylvia和Meg帮助我申请大学，给我详细的建议，并信任我为高一学生举办阅读研讨会。

我很荣幸成为您的学生。

当然，非常感谢我在BOOK思意、C.L.A.P、Giver和生物社的队友。生物专业的同学，Jemmy, Louis, Aurora。还有很多其他朋友。你让这三年变得不可思议。

谢谢你们，祝贺你们，2022届毕业生！

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