I am the luckiest person in the world mencement 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 he 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 he 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 he 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 he had many surprises in my life that I he 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 he 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 mencement day, I understand all of you like me 35 years ago also he your own dreams.

My fellow graduates of class 2009, I he 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 he many wonders that you he never dreamed of in the future.

I am sure every one you will also be the luckiest person in the world!