2025 graduate Corazon Scheppy: In GBJ's diverse environment, "the courage to connect has defined our education and growth"
- Rick Dunham
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Corazon Scheppy of the United States was chosen to speak as the student representative at the 2025 Global Business Journalism commencement celebration. Here is the complete text of her remarks:
My name is Corazon Scheppy, and it is my great honor to stand here today as the graduating GBJ student representative. I am deeply grateful — to our families, our faculty, and to each of you, my classmates, for the journey we’ve shared.
Six years ago, when I first stepped onto Tsinghua University's campus [as an undergraduate] and looked out the window of Building 22, I could never have imagined the remarkable journey ahead of me, nor how deeply this university would become my home.
Our class is small — only nine students — but this has allowed us to form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Together, we've shared the entire spectrum of student life: nervousness before exams, joy in our successes, pride in each other's accomplishments, and countless unforgettable moments. We went through many challenging deadlines, joked together about stress-induced hair loss, excitedly bought cosmetics as freshmen, and now, as graduation approaches, we find ourselves group-buying fish oil supplements.
Through these shared experiences, I've witnessed extraordinary passion, innovation, and a persistent willingness among my classmates to step out of their comfort zones. It’s my sincere hope that the courage we cultivated here remains with us long after graduation.
At Tsinghua’s School of Journalism and Communication, I was continually inspired by people dedicated to journalism. Our professors and classmates, tirelessly pursued truth, committed themselves to fair and thorough reporting, and reminded us daily of journalism's essential role in society. Their commitment has shown me the profound impact that good journalism can have — illuminating truths, building bridges, and fostering understanding.
In this diverse, international environment, we've learned more than just journalism. We've learned the importance of connection — of reaching across languages, cultures, and perspectives. The courage to connect has defined our education and growth. It is this courage I believe will be essential as we step into a rapidly changing and interconnected world.
As we graduate, we enter the world as journalists who understand the weight of shaping public discourse, fostering empathy, and seeking the truth. Our education has prepared us to build meaningful connections and enhance understanding wherever our paths may lead.
Class of 2025, it has been an incredible journey sharing these years with you. The achievements we've made together fill me with pride, and I look forward to seeing where our curiosity and courage will take us next.
Thank you.
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