Alice Huang, G10, RDF International School

Mr. Lawrence Bacow, the principal of Harvard University, delivered a thought-provoking speech at the graduation ceremony for the class of 2022. What resonated with me the most was a part of his wish for all the graduates — “to save a seat for others, to make room for others, to ensure that the opportunities afforded by your education do not enrich your life alone … and please work to extend opportunity to others.”

The universal love for humanity manifested in his words touched me deeply. It allowed me to grasp a fraction of the reasons that make Harvard such an outstanding institution.

Often, we are encouraged to strive for personal growth and excellence. However, we rarely think what we should do if we find ourselves with more advantages than others. We tend to take opportunities for granted and attribute our achievements solely to our own efforts. But that perception is flawed. Any personal success is built upon the foundation of society as a whole, deriving from the shared social resources we all benefit from. Therefore, it becomes our duty to give back to society once we are in a position to do so. We must not relish our success alone but offer our hands to those in need.

In the middle of July, I had the privilege of stepping onto the grounds of this prestigious university as part of a summer program in the U.S. Harvard’s campus, unenclosed by walls, stands open to all who wish to experience it. As we arrived at the lawn where the graduation ceremony had taken place, the principal’s words echoed in my ears once again,“to save a seat for others ….”

It was then that I suddenly realized how this sentiment aligned with the ideals set forth by the Chinese Government to build a community with a shared future for humankind. It dawned on me that contribution and cooperation, rather than exploitation and competition, are the forces that drive our world toward sustainability and prosperity.