Speech at a Graduation Ceremony

Speech at a Graduation Ceremony Ladies and gentlemen, It is always a pleasure for me to be present at graduation ceremonies. I enjoy the chance to see so many students eagerly anticipating the future. As a former student myself, I appreciate the long road you have taken to get to where you are today , as I recall those long hours of reading, conducting research and writing endless papers. It is indeed a moment of pride and a great relief --- for you to be rewarded after so much hard work and sacrifice. I would even dare to say some of you hoping for a brief speech so we can get on with the awarding of your degrees! In this regard, I promise not to disappoint you! Some of you present today will perhaps pursue further studies while others will most probably try to find a suitable job, commensurate with your qualifications. I pray that you will all be successful in your endeavor. And on this, the day of your commencement, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your accomplishments so far. May you all achieve your dreams. Thank you. 【参考译文】 女士们，先生们， 能够参加毕业典礼，我总是感到非常荣幸。我非常高兴有机会看到这么多热切期待着未来的毕业生。 作为一个曾经当过学生的人，当我回忆起长时间地苦读、做研究和没完没了地写论文的日子，我对你们在经历了漫长的求学之路而取得今天的成绩非常地赞赏。这确实是值得骄傲和倍感轻松的时刻--因为你们的努力和付出将得到回报。我敢说你们当中的一些人希望演讲简短一点，这样我们可以开始学位授予仪式。在这点上，我保证不会让你们失望。 你们在座的各位，有的可能会进一步深造，而其他人多半会找一份与自己学历资格相称的理想工作，我祝你们都能如愿以偿。 今天，在你们的毕业典礼上，为你们目前所取得的成就，我向你们致以最热烈的祝贺。 祝大家能都实现自己的梦想。谢谢。