Chinese student struck a chord emphasizing humanity during Harvard commencement speech
Share this @internewscast.com

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Following her heartfelt speech at Harvard University’s graduation ceremony, Yurong “Luanna” Jiang was frequently approached by peers who commended her on sharing the idea that it’s essential to recognize our shared humanity instead of disparaging others for their differences.

“We’ve begun to believe that those who differ from us in thoughts, beliefs, or faith — whether they’re far away or right beside us — are not only incorrect but also malevolent. It doesn’t need to be like this,” she expressed in her speech, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

“If I were to distill the essence of my message into one sentence, it would be that humanity’s progress and decline occur collectively,” Jiang explained to The Associated Press on Friday. “We are navigating through challenging times, marked by divisions in ideologies, ethnic backgrounds, and identities. Now is when we could benefit from embracing moral imagination and envisioning our interconnectedness with each other.”

The 25-year-old Jiang’s speech never directly mentioned the Trump administration nor its multi-pronged attack on the nation’s oldest and richest university. But she said the turmoil beyond their campus and its impact on her classmates was on her mind as she delivered her speech.

“Students can be very emotionally charged because they care deeply about a lot of issues,” said Jiang, who comes from China and graduated with a masters degree in public administration in international development. “When you are emotionally charged and activated, it’s very easy to demonize another person.”

She said the relentless attacks from the Trump administration on the school’s funding and threats to detain and deport people studying in the U.S. on student visas have left her unsettled, adding huge uncertainty to her future plans.

“In terms of the plan going forward, I would say everything is up in the air at this point,” Jiang said, who had hoped to remain in the United States for a few years but now is open to working in international development overseas. “At this point, it’s difficult to say what will happen.”

This week, the Trump administration asked federal agencies to cancel about $100 million in contracts with the university. The government already canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants, moved to cut off Harvard’s enrollment of international students and threatened its tax-exempt status. Then it widened the pressure campaign, suspending visa applications worldwide and threatening to deny U.S. visas to thousands of Chinese students nationwide.

These actions resonate with Jiang and her classmates — about 30% of Harvard’s students are international, and China has among the highest numbers.

“The anxiety is real,” said Jiang, who knows two international students from China who are weighing whether to travel for work in Kenya and Rwanda.

“Because of the uncertainty of their visas, they are facing a very tricky situation,” she said. “They can either go abroad, go to Kenya and Rwanda to do their internship and work on poverty alleviation and public health but risking not being able to make it back to campus safely. Or they can stay on campus and do their internships remote.”

“It’s pretty heartbreaking,” she continued“They wanted to help humanity and, to see them entangled in politics they didn’t choose, is hard.”

Jiang, who went to high school in the United Kingdom and earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University, said there should be more, not fewer, academic exchanges between China and the United States.

“Humanity is facing a lot of crisis,” she said. “There are conflicts. There is climate. There are a lot things that not only one country can tackle. China and the U.S. are the two most powerful economies or countries in the world. They have to work with each other to be able to combat the problems or the issues that affect every single human being.”

Jiang also defended the importance of international students at Harvard, recalling how 60% of the students stood up at the Kennedy School of Government commencement when the dean, Jeremy Weinstein, asked how many came from outside the United States. Then he asked if they had learned something from their international classmates, and most everyone stood.

“A lot of us clapped and cheered. A lot of us were in tears,” she said, as Weinstein told them to “look around, this is your school.”

Without international students, it would be a challenge for Harvard to achieve its mission, Jiang said. Campus culture depends on its globally diverse student body, studying and hanging out together.

“Harvard wants its students to go and change the world and you can’t change the world without understanding the world,” she said. “You can’t understand the world without truly having a personal connection with people from all sorts of countries.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Paramount, Trump in 'advanced' settlement talks: court filing

Paramount and Trump Engaged in ‘Advanced’ Settlement Discussions, Court Documents Reveal

Paramount Global and former President Donald Trump are in the midst of…

Royal Passes Away at 63 Just Days Before Birth of First Child: Wife Shares Heartfelt Tribute

A PRINCE has tragically died just days before the birth of his…
Ben Shelton vs. Alex Bolt odds, picks, prediction

Predictions, Betting Odds, and Picks for Ben Shelton vs. Alex Bolt Showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Jonah Tong, Carson Benge representing Mets in Futures Game

Mets’ Futures Game Representatives: Jonah Tong and Carson Benge

On Monday, two of the Mets’ most promising prospects received All-Star nods…
Four young men rescue dog, save East Arlington house from fire

Four Young Heroes Save Dog and Prevent House Fire in East Arlington

The men were riding around their neighborhood Sunday evening when they noticed…
Chilling 'coincidence' of Idaho shooting sends Internet sleuths into overdrive

Idaho Shooting’s Eerie ‘Coincidence’ Triggers Online Detectives’ Frenzy

On Sunday, a tragic ambush in Idaho targeted firefighters, coinciding with the…
'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' stars Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt join 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 34

‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 34 Welcomes Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt from ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’

From “MomTok” to the ballroom! “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” stars Jen…
UFchild abuse pediatrician to resign following controversial custody case

UF Pediatrician Specializing in Child Abuse to Step Down After Disputed Custody Case

Dr. Barbara Knox is set to step down from her role at…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker narrowing down list of potential running mates for 3rd term bid; Christian Mitchell among candidates

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Shortlists Potential Running Mates for Third Term; Christian Mitchell in Consideration

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is in the process of…
Tethered drones extinguishing a high-rise fire.

Exciting Scene as Drones Battle Massive Skyscraper Fire During Intense Training Drill

THIS is the shocking moment a fire rips through a skyscraper –…
Massachusetts man accused of stabbing mom's boyfriend 17 times, dousing him in lighter fluid in deadly fight over steaks

Massachusetts Man Allegedly Stabs Mother’s Boyfriend 17 Times, Covers Him in Lighter Fluid During Fatal Dispute Over Steaks

A man from Massachusetts is facing charges after allegedly stabbing his mother’s…
Law enforcement and emergency responders at a park following reports of a shooting.

Idaho Shooter Identified as Wess Roley: Used Fire Tactic to Ambush Firefighters and Kill Two

THE suspected arsonist and shooter who attacked and killed Idaho firefighters on…