Commencement Speech at Turing Class
Good morning, dear professors and my fellow classmates!
I’m Xuwen Chen from AI Turing class.
I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to stand here today.
With graduation around the corner, it reminds me of four years ago when I just graduated from high school, I was filled with excitement and fascinated by the amazing world of artificial intelligence. I recall the ambition then that one day I would be doing research for pushing the scientific boundary or innovating technological development.
However, as the saying goes, you dream a plump, you get the skinny reality.
I still remember the first semester of my sophomore year, I was hit head-on by a slew of hard-core courses. For the course Discrete Mathematics and Structures, I was given the last place in the mid-term exam, which was the first time in my life - except for the 800m running test. At that moment I couldn’t help questioning myself whether I deserve to be a qualified student of Turing class, or even EECS.
Even worse, when I was exhausted for a good-looking GPA, it was quite difficult to spare some leisure time to deliberate over my original aspiration or my future road.
The first valuable experience I’ve gained from the Turing class was the importance of reaching out and seeking help from others.
I benefited a lot from the interactions with my classmates, and was able to gain better understanding of discrete math by studying the treasure notes from my seniors. I was able to improve my grades significantly in the final exam, a testimony to the importance of reaching out for help. Indeed, before I entered Turing Class, oftentimes when I encountered difficulties in research, I was consumed by pessimism. Again, by reaching out I was always invigorated by the timely feedback from my friends.
Perhaps a more valuable experience I’ve gained was the importance of an inquiring mind, in both study and life.
Undoubtedly, the Turing Class research rotation offered me a unique opportunity to enter the wonderful world of research. I don’t hesitate in asking questions. The instructors and advisors were always able to dispel my confusion, they are always patient and resourceful. I was constantly reminded that never satisfy with merely dipping a toe, but to ignite an unfailing appetite for seeking truth.
I always savor the appetite for wonders and the unknown in awe, which gives me the perspective to appreciate what I am working for, as well as looking forward to reaping a harvest from my sown field. Just as was said in The Great Gatsby: “It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther……And then one fine morning—”
I never know if I could someday utilize my research to facilitate a diverse and open society, or to create a halcyon and harmonious era, or even to build a safer, secure and sustainable world. Yet what I do know is that I am still going down this road. For me, this is the best graduation answer I could give myself.
Finally, I’d like to express my most sincere gratitude to John for establishing and leading the Turing class program, to the CFCS faculty for their precious mentorship and cultivation, and to every student for uniting into our Turing class that has been surrounded an enterprising atmosphere and brilliant examples. I am always grateful and indebted to be a member of such a wonderful collective.
Hope each and every one of you could find your beloved career and march forward bravely along the path.
Wish you a thriving and flourishing future —— and most importantly —— a good health and a joy of living.
Thank you.
(Revised by Baoquan Chen)