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Graduation Speech by Koki Ajiri (Abstract)

June 7, 2018

Graduation Speech by Koki Ajiri (Abstract)

Eight years ago, my family, like many of yours, decided to join this vibrant community known for its impeccable fusion of Chinese culture and global mindset. Not only did it live up to its promise, SHSID delivered so much more than just fostering an intercultural understanding: it has been an incubator for our passions, and a launchpad into greater endeavors. On one part, this is thanks to the very founders of this school, whose vision and leadership have culminated in the establishment of this amazing institution; and to our parents in the live audience and those who were not able to make it here, we owe you in ways we cannot even calculate.

Most importantly, these opportunities in SHSID are available for everyone. I can attest to this fact personally because it was during those “dark ages” when I found the thing that gives me a bigger dream, the thing that made me believe adding ten subjects to an existing six is a good idea, the thing I fell in love with. I met Academic Decathlon, and I am extremely fortunate to have SHSID as a platform to pursue what I truly care about for the past few years. Today, thanks to USAD and our school, working with a diligent, tight-knit team has become a part of my life. And I hope to leverage this formative experience in college and beyond as an aspiring social entrepreneur to tackle the biggest problems our society faces.

Class of 2018, we’re activists, calligraphers, delegates, decathletes, debaters, entrepreneurs, founders, fashion pioneers, frequent flyers, film directors, inventors, historians, and music producers … and I’m sorry if I didn’t cover everything we’re into because boy, our passions are diverse. And I’m sure that you love all of these things just as much as I do decathlon. So, I encourage you to dig deeper. To devote yourself into the things you care about more than you ever have. There are infinite ways to pursue what you love, and it is your job to find them.

My dear friends, we’ll soon flock to the four corners of the world. Whether we begin anew in unfamiliar cities or return to our spiritual hometowns; whether we delve into the sometimes-overwhelming college life or serve as a global citizen, we should always remember to follow our hearts and to derive happiness from meaningful endeavors. We should remember to commit wholeheartedly and not look back, to do well while doing good. Because 5, 10, 20 years later, we’ll thank ourselves and live without regret for leaving no stones unturned in our quest to pursue what we love. Congratulations Class of 2018, now let’s go out there – and only go – to where our heart is. Today, tomorrow, always.