New students' words create a patchwork of hopes

Each fall during Welcoming Convocation, new students write notes to be placed in a WWU time capsule.

This word cloud, generated at www.wordle.net, illustrates some of the most common words the students used to describe their hopes, ambitions -- and some fears.

Here are some more, longer examples:

Hopes and Dreams

I hope to leave Western substantially changed. I want to try new things, go to new places, and build upon myself as well as the many communities at my new found home. I will emerge from WWU a better person than I came.

Stay close to God. Stay true to myself. Never give up. To live a happy life surrounded by people I love. To make a difference & help others.

To graduate w/ honors

I want to be a great writer. I want to choose a career that makes me happy, as soon as I figure out what that is. The money will follow. Never miss an opportunity to love or be loved.

I hope I never waste a moment.

My hopes and dreams…learn as much as I can while I am here. Earn 3 bachelors of Science degrees in 4.5 years. Gain the skills to get internships and experience that will help my career. To get an education. I want to be literate in the 21st century. I want to be part of the global network of brilliant minds driving our world. I want to have ideas worth sharing.

Graduate. Be in a flash mob. Find a meaningful major. Internship. Tons of new friends. Scholarships. Be an RA. Get a job. Avoid the tyranny of like-minded people. Make a difference.

Unravel the mysteries of the universe. Be happy. Find her. Enlighten others. Make a fusion reactor that is efficient. Make a FTL ship. Make mom proud.

I hope to become more comfortable here so leaving the people I love is easier. I hope math isn't too hard.

I hope my mom is more than okay w/o me. I love her so much.

I dream to travel. I hope to achieve. I will struggle and I will learn and I will fail and I will succeed. This is life and I'm going to run through it like a race horse. While stopping to eat the grass and smell flowers. To go forward with open mind and a voice to change.

Fears

Anxiety about registration. Nervousness about being away from home. Fear about a rigorous very challenging course load and studying. Concerned about $$$.

I fear getting lost or becoming alone.

That I will not be disciplined enough.

I fear I will become overwhelmed.

Other Plans

I will be the king of Western