Francis King Carey School of Law’s Shi ‘Porter’ Yang tells fellow Class of 2020 graduates to savor their accomplishments and continue their journeys with intellectual curiosity.
Francis King Carey School of Law graduating student Shi “Porter” Yang was selected to deliver the student speech for the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s 2020 commencement. His speech, delivered virtually this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be viewed here or read below.
Do you remember the moment you received your acceptance letter from the School of Medicine? The School of Dentistry? The School of Pharmacy? The School of Nursing? The Graduate School? The School of Social Work? And the Carey School of Law? That joyful moment represents a major accomplishment because we were all excited to become a student in our own profession and could not wait to dedicate our time and knowledge back to the community. Many years later, we are now about to make more history through another accomplishment, but we must remain true to our original aspiration and keep our mission firmly in mind.
I had the privilege of attending this year’s interprofessional education event, also known as IPE Day. Through that event, we all became the leaders in each of our professions where people rely on our professional and ethical judgment. IPE Day offered me a sense of ideas on how resourceful we can be, if the health, the law, and the human services professions work together to provide insightful and excellent solutions and advancement to the lives of people locally, nationally, and globally. As COVID-19 showed us, a small action, whether positive or negative, can significantly impact our global community.
This year, we have graduates from over 50 countries. Some of us will remain in Maryland, some of us will move to other states, and some of us will go abroad. But no matter where you go, there is always a need from you. We must bear in mind that it is a privilege to be a member of our profession.
Our professors and mentors, our readings and assessments, everything we have done in the last few years have expanded our knowledge and expertise, and now we must utilize our knowledge in order to advance the human health condition and serve the public good. Being well-educated members of our profession, we can now strive to build rich inner lives marked by moral depth, empathy, and humility. For example, my ultimate goal is to provide my clients with clear and reasoned advice, regardless of the complexity of the issue. To me, that is my way of helping others. Now what is yours?
Class of 2020, we all know that we would not be here without the ongoing support and effort from the following groups of people. First, we must thank our faculty and staff. Next, we need to thank the University of Maryland, Baltimore for offering us such a great learning experience and a nurturing community. Now we must thank our parents, family, and significant others for all their support and encouragement. And most importantly, please do not forget to text or email your friends, colleagues, or classmates, and tell them, “Congratulations!”
Our journey does not end right here. Now it is time for us to begin a new chapter in our life. It is time for us to continue our journey with intellectual curiosity. It is my great honor to congratulate you on earning a new degree. Please stay safe until we see each other in person to celebrate our accomplishments. Best wishes to you, and take care!
View messages to the Class of 2020 from UMB Interim President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS; University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, MD; and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan at UMB’s commencement website.
Disclaimer: Elm Voices & Opinions articles reflect the thoughts or opinions of their individual authors, and may not represent the thoughts or values of UMB as an institution.