Good afternoon faculty students parents and friends.
I am truly honored and grateful to speak at the commencement for the University of Maryland, Class of 2017.
People often ask me: Why did you come to the University of Maryland?
I always answer: Fresh air.
Five years ago, as I step off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport. I was ready to put on one of my five face masks, but when I took my first breath of American air. I put my mask away.
The air was so sweet and fresh, and oddly luxurious.
I was surprised by this. I grew up in a city in China, where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside, otherwise, I might get sick.
However, the moment I inhaled and exhaled outside the airport.
I felt free.
No more fog on my glasses, no more difficult breathing, no more suppression.
Every breath was a delight. As I stand here today, I cannot help, but recall that feeling of freedom.
At the University of Maryland, I would soon feel another kind of fresh air for which I will be forever grateful — the fresh air of free speech.
Before I came to United States, I learned in history class about the Declaration of Independence, but these words had no meaning to me— Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.
I was merely memorizing the words to get good grades.
These words sounded so strange, so abstract and so foreign to me, until I came to University of Maryland.
I have leaned the right to freely express oneself is sacred in American.
Each day in Maryland, I was encouraged to express my opinions on controversial issues.
I could challenge a statement made by my instructor. I could even rate my professors online.