At Yanbian University’s 2025 graduation ceremony, something special happened. Liu Xiaomei, a canteen worker at the university, took the stage. Though holding prepared notes in her hand, she spoke from the heart, freely sharing her feelings with the graduates. “Kids, don’t think Auntie’s being long-winded,” she began. “I just have so many things I worry about for you...” Her simple yet sincere words brought tears to many students’ eyes right there in the audience.
Liu remembered four years of small moments: students asking for more rice early in the morning; tired students studying late, for whom she added extra food; students leaving fruit tea as presents at her counter; hearing “Sister” or “Auntie” during meals. These things made her happy at work. She gave them advice like a mother: “Takeout is easy, but home food is cleaner. Don’t always eat instant noodles when busy. Share your sadness. Always eat well, even when busy!”
Once, a student asked her why she was always so dedicated to serving them. She replied: “You’re all far from home in this city. If a warm meal and a smile can help you feel the warmth of family, that’s all I want.” This maternal care, treating students like her own children, filled her food counter with laughter and lively conversations. Students affectionately called it “a place with a little sun tucked inside.”
Before graduation, Liu and her team worked extra hours. They made 15,000 dumplings for the students. This followed an old tradition. It showed the canteen staff’s quiet care through daily meals. The dumplings were more than food. They became a special memory. Many graduates cried when they received them.
“Wherever you go, work hard. Even ordinary jobs help society,” Liu told them. Her real, unplanned speech touched people everywhere. Videos shared by the university got over 900,000 likes on Douyin by June 22nd. Many news groups shared her story. Online, people praised her kind heart and good memory. Her words touched people because “true feelings connect hearts.”
Liu later said she was just an ordinary worker and thanked everyone.
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