At most graduations, students hear words of wisdom from professors or top achievers. But at Yanbian University in China, it was the campus canteen aunty who moved the entire graduating class to tears.
Photo via Douyin
Liu Xiaomei, a long-serving cook at the university’s canteen, stood on stage in her white kitchen hat and apron to deliver a speech that quickly went viral across the country, “I feel honoured to be part of your youth,” Liu told the class of 2025, her voice shaking with emotion as she addressed the hundreds of students who had become part of her daily life.
She shared that many students had asked why she always greeted them with a smile. Her answer was simple yet powerful. “You are far from home, and it’s not easy to study here. If working harder and smiling can make you feel a little happier, then that’s what I’ll do. It also helps your parents worry less about you.”
“You are your parents’ baby at home. At school, you are the baby of your uncles and aunties,” she said warmly, referring to the canteen staff who care for students in their own quiet ways.
She ended her speech by reminding students to take care of themselves, and to eat proper meals instead of relying on instant noodles and takeout.
Photo via Douyin
In a final gesture of love, Liu revealed that her team had prepared 15,000 dumplings to celebrate the graduates’ big day.
By the end of her heartfelt speech, many students were visibly crying. Online, videos of Liu’s address have since gained millions of views, with national outlets like CCTV and People’s Daily sharing her words. One comment, which captured the mood perfectly, read: “No one talks to me like this except my mum.”
Some graduation speeches share advice. Liu’s simply reminded them they were never alone.
