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.
But nothing prepared me for the culture shock I experienced when I watched a university production of the play— Twilight: Los Angeles.
Twilight is a play by Anna Deavere Smith about the 1992 Los Angeles Riots
The riots followed acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers in the videotaped arrest and beating of Rodney King.
For six days, the city was in chaos as citizens took to the streets.
In Twilight, the student actors were openly talking about racism, sexism and politics.
I was shocked, I never saw such topic could be discussed openly.
The play was my first taste of political storytelling, one that makes the audience think critically.
I have always had a burning desire to tell these kinds of stories, but I was convinced that only authorities own the narrative, only authorities could define the truth.
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