Deh Cho - When it comes to making predictions about the future some students in Fort Simpson could have a promising career in the field while others need some more practice.

On Nov. 5 a time capsule was unsealed at Bompas elementary school in Fort Simpson. Created four years ago it contained a sample of writing from every student who was in the school from kindergarten to Grade 6.

Karlene Isaiah takes a glimpse into the past while reading predictions she wrote four years ago about what the future would hold. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

As part of a writing project which was done Sept. 30, 2003, each student filled out a sheet about what they thought the future would hold. In the younger grades students wrote a few simple words and drew a picture while older students filled in a few paragraphs. The pieces of paper were then sealed in a wooden capsule and put in a glass display case in the school. The exercise was sponsored by the Mackenzie Gas Project.

"We thought it would be a good opportunity for them to think about the future," said Nancy Noseworthy, who was a Grade 2 teacher at the time and organized the event.

Looking back through the papers after four years was amusing, said Noseworthy.

"Because I know the kids it was very reflective of their personalities," she said.

A number of students wrote about wanting to be Batman or a princess and there were also lots of police and firefighter ambitions. Noseworthy said she can remember when those same students would come to school wearing costumes related to their preference.

Students who participated in the project were also allowed to view their predictions. During their noon hour break students were invited for a free lunch and a reading of some of the predictions.

Looking at the sheets of writing that were posted on the wall of the gymnasium at the school many students showed signs of embarrassment over their youthful hopes.

Many predictions for Fort Simpson called for more businesses and more houses. Some went as far as to say that Fort Simpson would be a city. Having a hotel with a swimming pool or just a bigger pool were also common hopes.

Kelly Lafferty had a different idea of how life would change.

When he was in Grade 5, Lafferty thought people would go back to a more traditional lifestyle on the land. Now a Grade 8/9 student, Lafferty is at a loss to explain how he came up with that idea. Luckily he did better when he foresaw more "cool cars." There are definitely better cars now, said Lafferty.

Looking forward another four years, Lafferty has a different set of predictions.

"There will be a lot more changes in our stores," said Lafferty referring to selection.

Lafferty even glanced into his own future.

"I'll probably be the manager of a KFC or McDonald's in Fort Simpson," he said.

Using either a little more luck or some fortune telling gifts, Amanda Burrill was spot on with some of her predictions.

Four years ago Burrill was right when she guessed she'd be working at the Northern. She currently works in the Pizza Hut at the store.

For Fort Simpson Burrill foresaw more buildings, more people and another grocery store. Only the grocery store hasn't worked out, she said.

In the larger world, Burrill hoped for more cures for cancers and AIDS.

"I'd still like to see some of the things like finding cures for cancer and helping the homeless," she said.

In her personal life, Burrill also predicted she'd be doing better at school. Has that idea come true?

"No comment. I'll leave it at that," she said with a smile.