China canteen worker’s moving ‘eat well’ speech at graduation evokes feelings of mum’s care
Cook’s emotion-charged talk leaves students in tears, is broadcast across the nation, inspires countless people online
A graduation ceremony speech delivered by a canteen worker at a university in northeastern China has touched both students and millions of internet users.
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.
“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.
“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.