As May winds down and graduation season rolls in, MIXC WORLD in Nanjing teamed up with pioneering media platform The Fair to celebrate this year’s graduates in a refreshingly honest way. They invited 15 young people—each shaped by the ups and downs of post-college life—to share the words they wish they’d heard when they graduated. Their messages lit up the giant screen at MIXC WORLD, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Instead of the usual polished phrases like “Wishing you a bright future” or “May all your dreams come true,” these messages spoke directly to the uncertainty, hope, fear, and excitement that come with graduation. Standouts included:
“Hope the wind doesn’t knock you over.”
“Hope you and your best friend from college don’t drift apart.”
“Hope the band you loved in college never breaks up.”
Each message struck a chord.
“Hope you’re understood, and that you don’t always need to be,” captures the need for both identity and acceptance.
“Hope you take your time before turning into a boring adult,” gently reflects the hesitation many feel about growing up.
“Hope you have the freedom to care for a cat or dog,” reminds people that being responsible for something small can also be a meaningful kind of success.
These wishes felt raw and genuine because they came from real life. They’re a reminder that while adulthood can be overwhelming, the beauty of youth and college memories stays with us and helps carry us through. Graduation isn’t the finish line. It’s just one of many turning points, each opening the door to something new.
Across China, more shopping centers are reimagining how traditional media like giant screens can connect with people in a digital world. With this campaign, MIXC WORLD didn’t just tap into the trend of screen-side selfies and check-ins. It also tuned into the quiet anxieties many grads feel as they step into adulthood. These messages weren’t just well wishes—they were a quiet boost of encouragement for anyone still figuring things out.