University cook's emotional graduation speech goes viral, leaves students and netizens in tears

Time of India

2 days ago

This simple yet soul-stirring line delivered by
Liu Xiaomei
, a
canteen cook
at
Yanbian University
in China's northeastern Jilin province, is echoing across the internet and leaving a trail of teary eyes. Dressed in her kitchen uniform, Liu didn't just serve dumplings that day—she served wisdom, warmth, and a reminder of humanity that education institutions often forget.
A Speech That Stole the Spotlight
On June 20, during the
graduation ceremony
for the class of 2025, Liu Xiaomei took the stage as a representative from the logistics support department. Her heartfelt words struck a deep emotional chord with students and viewers alike. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, her speech rapidly went viral, amassing over 5 million likes on a leading social media platform, and drawing praise from major Chinese state-run media outlets including People's Daily and CCTV.
'I feel honoured to be part of the beautiful youth period of your life,' she said, her voice cracking as she struggled to hold back tears. 'You often ask me, auntie, why do you always smile? It's because I know you are far away from home, and it's not easy to study here. If I work harder, maybe you'll feel happier and your parents more assured.'
— HolaFujian (@HolaFujian)
A Meal and a Message
Liu's message was not just emotional—it was maternal, deeply personal, and practical. She urged students not to skip meals or rely too heavily on delivery and instant noodles. 'Promise me that no matter how busy you are, you will always eat well and take care of your health,' she implored.
To commemorate the graduates' big day, Liu and her kitchen staff prepared 15,000 dumplings—a symbolic gesture of care and good wishes. 'This represents our heartfelt blessings for you. I hope all of you have splendid prospects,' she said.
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The Internet Reacts with Tears and Gratitude
A video of the speech captures visibly emotional students, many wiping away tears. Online, users flooded platforms with praise and emotion. 'No one talks to me in this way except my mother,' one commenter shared. Another remarked, 'This canteen auntie is the best business card for Yanbian University.' A third chimed in, 'Her speech warms our hearts. It shows how much the school cares for its students. These kids are truly lucky.'