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The senior deans from each faculty dedicate these words of wisdom to the graduating class of the 2017 academic year. With these words in mind, remember to always follow your dreams.

Heart is won by heart. Fame is not an issue.

Koichi Suga, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics

People are moved by passion, which inspires them to find their own path in life. When we only pay attention to fame and praise, we struggle to discover our true calling. I look forward to the future of Waseda graduates as they meet inspirational people, learn who they are, and make a difference in the world.

Go against the temptation of abandoning to think.

Yoshiki Kurumisawa, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Law

The more you acquire knowledge at university, the more inequality and hardships in society surface, causing you deeper distress. There will come a time when the temptation to escape from this distress, stop thinking, give up, and accepting everything as they are will strike. When this happens, don’t give in. Fight back and never give up.

Little and often makes a heap in time.

Yasushi Oyabu, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Aim high, but start by building the foundation. Sustained efforts in doing little things lead to great results. Go about your daily work with sincerity and care.

There are few earthly things more beautiful than a university

Naoki Matsumoto, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences

These are the words of the English poet, John Masefield. He explains that a university is “a place where those who hate ignorance may strive to know.” Where does truth lie? What is just? It would be great to forever be in the university inside the mind and keep a beautiful heart.

Have perception and sight.

Makoto Fujita, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Commerce

These words emphasize the importance of paying attention to the details of matters (sight) while having broad historical and social perspectives (perception). I wish all the graduating students good health and success.

Onward to the frontline of science and society!

Atsushi Takeuchi, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Take your knowledge and skills of scientific, logical thinking honed at Waseda, and challenge yourselves at the frontlines. To unlock the bright future which lies ahead, be passionate and dream big!

Inscrutable are the ways of heaven.

Mitsuru Yamada, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences

This proverb implies that life’s fortunes are unpredictable and constantly changing. The international society has reached a turning point, and nobody can tell what the future holds. This is why I urge you to face difficulties with determination, see the possibilities and grasp the opportunities.

Relationships don’t just happen. You have to create them.

Hiroshi Fujimoto, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences

A teacher whom I respect said this when I was a graduate student. It is easy to say that something is not your business. However, when you look at things through your own lens and relating them together, your world expands.

It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us.

Jun Tsuchiya, Senior Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences

From Viktor E. Frankl’s famous book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Don’t just expect life to be handed to you, but always be yourself and earnestly search for answers to the questions life poses. Good luck!

To thine own self be true

Adrian Pinnington, Senior Dean of the Faculty of International Research and Education

From William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The most important skill you have gained during your time at Waseda is the ability to objectively evaluate things through independent thinking. In order to protect democracy, each and every citizen must deliberate the fate of this world and not be swayed by public opinions presented by the media. Please stay true to yourself.

Content citizens have no spirit.

Yoshiaki Akasaka, Principal of the Art and Architecture School

These are the words of the French poet of knowledge, Paul Valéry, who warned that we will be moving backwards towards  the future against crises lurking in our times. A spirit is a will that attempts to escape from repetitive mediocrity of constancy and that makes efforts to go on a journey and change the present state. Create your own l’Esprit Nouveau (Le Corbusier)!