In the midsummer of Liyuan, the fiery blossoms of the flame trees reflected the radiance of youth in full bloom and transformation. On the afternoon of June 26, the 2026 graduation ceremony for degree students of the College of International Exchange, Shenzhen University, was grandly held in the Multi-Function Hall of the Alumni Square. Graduates from across the globe, like butterflies breaking free from their chrysalises, joined college leaders, class mentors, and faculty representatives to celebrate this milestone—a moment that transcends borders and ushers in a new journey of life.

The ceremony opened with a touching video montage of the graduates. Through shifting lights and images, it retraced their transformative journey at Shenzhen University—from the initial bewilderment and apprehension of navigating an unfamiliar environment, to the poise of engaging in animated discussions in Chinese; from the unease brought by cultural differences, to the empowerment gained through the confluence of diverse perspectives. Every frame bore testament to their courage in stepping beyond comfort zones, drawing both laughter and tears from the audience amid rounds of prolonged applause.

The prelude performances that followed added a brilliant overture to this new chapter. The French song Aux Lendemains Non Écrits embodied the graduates' resolve to cast off limitations and envision their futures with boldness; a fashion show featuring international students from multiple nations presented a vibrant tapestry of shared beauty; and the college band's soulful rendition of Goodbye  carried heartfelt sentiments of farewell and best wishes into the depths of every soul.

Amid warm applause, Professor Pan Yanchun, Dean of the College of International Exchange, took the stage to deliver a speech. With heartfelt emotion, he offered the graduates the guiding message of "Breaking the Cocoon, Embracing Rebirth," extending his warmest congratulations to them on the successful completion of their studies. He remarked, "The cocoon exists not to confine, but to nurture stronger wings." The Dean encouraged the students, as natural "bridge-builders," to remember, no matter where they may be, that "the courage to break the cocoon must never be lost, and the original aspiration for rebirth must never be forgotten." He urged them to embrace change with an open mind, to connect the world with an inclusive spirit, and to become pioneers in driving social progress.

Mr. Leng Yuhang, representing the faculty, spoke as a "fellow traveler" on this journey. He looked back on the students' transformation from "spinning their cocoons of dreams" to "emerging as butterflies"—from the unease and awkwardness of their first days on campus to the confidence and composure they now carry; from earnest questioning in the classroom to standing with poise in front of a class during their internships. Every breakthrough filled her with pride. He encouraged the students to always nurture an open heart of "sharing, co-existence, and co-creation," and to grow courageously in the vast world beyond. "Though the road ahead may stretch far and wide after this farewell... your alma mater will forever be your harbor."

Student representative Lucy shared her own "breaking the cocoon" story, recounting the warmth and hardships of the past five years—picnics by the Wenshan Lake, birthday celebrations in the cafeteria, walks home together after summer night club activities, and those days and nights of giving their all to their studies. She invoked the university motto of "self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-improvement" to encourage her fellow graduates, vowing that, armed with the confidence instilled by Shenzhen University, they would serve as youthful bridges of friendship between China and the world, and press forward with determination to live up to their youth.

In a solemn yet joyous atmosphere, the degree conferral ceremony raised the curtain on this "new beginning." University leaders, college deans, and department heads took turns to gently move the tassels from right to left and present graduation certificates to each graduate. The light sweep of the tassel, much like the instant a butterfly breaks free from its cocoon, symbolized not only the successful completion of studies but also the elevation to a brand new identity. Handshakes, group photos, and warm wishes of "Congratulations on your graduation!"—beneath the stage, a sea of camera flashes and cheers merged into a tide of blessings.

During the ceremony, a recognition ceremony for the International Student Association was also held, presenting certificates of honor to outstanding student members who had demonstrated exceptional performance in cross-cultural exchanges. It was they who, with passion and action, brought different civilizations together in mutual understanding at Campus of Liyuan, adding warmth and color to their fellow students' journey of breaking through the cocoon.

Finally, all graduates and their mentors gathered for a group photo, capturing their radiant smiles and boundless blessings in the June sunshine of Liyuan Campus. "Breaking the cocoon" represents the strength accumulated from the past; "embracing rebirth" marks the direction set for today's departure. Though this grand ceremony of transformation and farewell has drawn to a close, a brand new chapter—one that connects China with the wider world and illuminates the future—is now quietly unfolding for the Class of 2026 graduates of the College of International Exchange across every corner of the globe. May they forever carry the spirit of breaking through their cocoons, shining like stars and charting their own magnificent journeys across mountains and seas.