National Formosa University held its 2026 Graduation Ceremony on June 6, celebrating the achievements of 3,217 graduates who successfully completed their studies. Surrounded by the blessings of faculty members, families, and peers, the graduates marked an important milestone in their lives. This year, the university specially invited Pearl Chen, winner of the 54th Golden Bell Award for Radio Broadcasting and a renowned television and radio host, to deliver a keynote speech titled “Be Brave First, Perfect Later — You Don’t Need to Know All the Answers Right Now.” She encouraged graduates to take the first courageous step when facing the uncertainties of life, as the answers often reveal themselves along the journey.

Drawing from her own career experience as a host, Pearl Chen shared that when she first entered the broadcasting industry, winning a Golden Bell Award was her ultimate goal. She believed that receiving the award would prove her success. However, as she gained more experience, she gradually realized that if happiness only existed on the day of receiving the award, she would overlook the countless efforts and personal growth achieved throughout the journey.

She encouraged graduates to set goals but not allow those goals to steal the joy found in the process of striving toward them. The most valuable aspects of life are often not the day one reaches the destination, but the scenery encountered along the way and the family members, friends, teachers, and partners who accompany one’s growth.

Pearl Chen also shared the quote, “Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” She emphasized that life is not about waiting to be discovered by the world; rather, it is about gradually shaping a unique self through every choice, setback, and fresh start. Courage does not mean being fearless—it means taking a step forward despite fear and uncertainty. No one begins only when they are fully prepared. Many admirable lives are built through continuous attempts, adjustments, and perseverance.

She further encouraged graduates with the phrase, “Be brave first, perfect later.” Carrying the professional knowledge and courage cultivated at NFU, graduates should confidently pursue their dreams and embrace future challenges with determination.

In his remarks, NFU President Hsin-Liang Chang noted that the world has seemed to accelerate rapidly in recent years. Global supply chains continue to restructure, while emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming both work and daily life at an unprecedented pace. These developments inspire excitement about the future but also create uncertainty. He reminded graduates that feeling confused or questioning whether they are fully prepared does not mean they are falling behind; rather, it reflects the reality of standing at a significant turning point in life.

President Chang compared life to standing in the batter’s box. Numerous opportunities may appear, and countless decisions must be made. Seeing others swing does not mean one must immediately do the same. More important than rushing to keep up is understanding one’s own strike zone and knowing what one truly wants to pursue.

He emphasized that regardless of how quickly the world changes, the most important abilities remain critical thinking, sound judgment, and continuous learning. While AI can assist with many tasks, life does not come with standard answers. Everyone must discover their own direction through repeated choices and actions. He encouraged graduates to maintain curiosity about the world, embrace new challenges, and forge their own paths with integrity, judgment, and a strong sense of responsibility, no matter which industry or city they may find themselves in.

The ceremony also featured a performance by graduates Wen-An Chen, Lin-Yu Cheng Tsung, and Cheng-Cheng Chi, who sang their original composition, “The Last Class.” The song captured the complex emotions of young people preparing to leave campus life, facing uncertainties about the future, the passage of youth, and the bonds of friendship. Through lyrics that resonated with their generation, the performers conveyed that graduates do not need to rush to find definitive answers to life in their early twenties. Even failures, impulsive decisions, and mistakes are valuable parts of personal growth, transforming graduation-related anxiety and reluctance into the courage to continue moving forward.

Information provided by: Extracurricular Activities Guidance Division