China canteen worker's moving ‘eat well' speech at graduation evokes feelings of mum's care
Liu Xiaomei, a canteen cook at Yanbian University in northeastern Jilin province, addressed graduates of the class of 2025 on June 20 as a representative from the logistics support department.
Her speech went viral online, racking up 5 million likes on one leading social media platform alone, the Yanbian Daily reported.
The canteen worker addressed a huge body of students at the ceremony. Photo: Baidu
'As a service worker at the canteen, I feel honoured to be part of the beautiful youth period of your life,' said Liu, dressed in her cook's uniform and hat.
'You often ask me, auntie, why do you have such a good service attitude? Why do you always smile? It is because I think you are far away from your hometown and it is not easy for you to study.
'If I work harder, perhaps you will be happier and your parents will feel more assured.
The caring cook looked resplendent in her uniform and hat as she spoke to the students. Photo: Baidu
'At home, you are the baby of your parents. At school, you are the baby of uncles and aunties. This is the message from all of us staff from the support department,' Liu added.
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