am the luckiest person in the world
Commencement Address at the University of Nottingham
July 17, 2009
Justin Yifu Lin

Vice chancellor, ladies and gentlemen:
I am grateful for the honor bestowed on me today. At this new landmark of my life, I have a small secret to share with all of you.
I would like to tell you that I am the luckiest person in the world.
I am the luckiest person in the world because at the age of 57 I still have the same dream as the dream that I had 35 years ago at an age similar to many of you here today.
I am the luckiest person in the world because I have a wife who is as supportive to my pursuance of my dream as the first day that I met her 38 years ago.
I am the luckiest person in the world also because I have had many surprises in my life that I have never dreamed of.
I did not make any application to study abroad. However, I was given a scholarship to do PhD in economics by the University of Chicago.
I did not have any intention to work outside China. However, I was offered the position of Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the World Bank.
I did not study at the University of Nottingham. However, I am offered an honorary doctoral degree by the University of Nottingham today.
At the commencement day, I understand all of you like me 35 years ago also have your own dreams.
My fellow graduates of class 2009, I have a new dream today:
Let us pursue our dreams together.
Let us go ahead! Work hard! Do our best! Never give up!
I am sure like me you will have many wonders that you have never dreamed of in the future.
I am sure every one you will also be the luckiest person in the world!