Congratulations on your graduation. I believe everyone is both excited and uncertain about your new chapter in life ahead. Having worked in a company for 25 years, I would like to say, “Welcome to the real world!”

The first year of work, in any field, is difficult. You may want to quit before you get used to it. As a newspaper reporter which was my first job, there were more than 30 times when I thought I wanted to quit during my first year. I was scolded every day. I don’t know how many times I was showered with words such as, “You are useless”, “You’re not suited for this job”, “How many times do I have to tell you before you understand”, and “Go and do it again.” Despite such hardship, I somehow managed to hang in there, and I think it was because I acquired a certain good lesson.

The lesson that I learned which kept me going at work was about “pursuing achievement more than pleasure.” These were words of the psychiatrist and survivor of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, V.E Frankl. He said that “happiness in life is decided not by how much pleasure you gain, but by how much you are moved.” Humans tend to idly run toward pleasure. However, you lean to reach your goals by making continuous efforts, and by overcoming hardships and barriers you are truly moved. Facing a challenge and experiencing hardship is an indication that you are close to achieving your goal.

In your university days, you have been involved in various activities and projects. In the beginning you most likely went through a continuation of hardships. However, I believe that you were able to complete those tasks by working together in a group. You have made presentations on big occasions, won contests and published reports and essays. The sense of accomplishment felt at that time is irreplaceable. With hard work, you will reach your goals. Through this process, you will gain self-confidence. This will train you to be fuller and mature.

I am confident that you will be successful in the real world. If you ever feel like you want to quit, or that you are not suitable for work, or if you lose confidence, try to remember the projects, seminars, overseas exchanges and internships that you accomplished from your university days. Remembering this will give you the strength to tackle your challenges.

The university and faculty will always be your home ground. Come back and visit anytime. Let’s meet again!