2/11 Study Question answers and Foundress Week reflection

Hello! Welcome back to another blog post. For this post, I will be focusing on the foundress week. For those of you who do not know what foundress week is, it is time the university celebrates the founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the beginning of NDNU's missions and legacy. 

I will first be discussing my answers to the study questions from our last history class meeting.  

1) In your own words, what was this reading about?

The reading is about Julie Billliart and Francoise Blin de Bourdon's life. It begins on the circumstances NDNU was found under, giving emphasis on the Sisters during the revolutionary era. Following this, the reading describes the early life of the two sisters. 

2) Which woman did you find most interesting and why?

The story I found interesting would be Julie Billiart's life story. It was noted in the story that

Julie's life was much different than that of Francoise's, especially in terms of socioeconomic living. Julie's story presents a girl who, with not much, still tried her best to make a difference in her society. Amidst the challenges she faced growing up, she never failed to bring good change and a future for the people around her. What struck me in the story was: "By the time she was nine years old, she already had a reputation for gathering the poorer children of the village at the door of her own home to pass along to them the lessons she'd learned, with particular emphasis on the lessons of the catechism, which were considered to be the most important part of a poor child's education. This passion for educating poor children would become a common theme, and one of the most consistent guiding principles for the duration of Julie's life." I find this to be striking, as, at a young age, she has become so selfless and giving, an inspiration to every young child today. 

3) Which could you relate to most closely, and why?

The story I could relate to more closely would be Francoise's. She came from an aristocratic

family, was sent to an elite school and grew up privileged. Nevertheless, she did not become greedy and helped in her community. She could have lived a life of money and power, but she decided to become a servant to the people. I could relate to this because I saw myself in her. I am blessed enough to grow up with food in my mouth and excellent education, but I believe I have this duty to help and give back to society. Francoise's story inspired me further to give back to my community and help in my own little ways. 

4) Compare the educational backgrounds of the two women.

As stated above, Francoise went to an elite school. Therefore, she was able to attain a good

education. She was primarily taught livelihood and the way to live as a housewife. As opposed to Julie, who struggled to get into the right school because she was not wealthy. Julie went to a public school which focused on teaching catechism. Although Julie was unable to finish her studies, she still taught young children who, just like her, are unable to afford education. 

5) How would you describe Francoises's attitude toward her own money and privilege?

Francoise was humble. Even if she was well off and did not have to work because she was wealthy enough to suffice for herself, she still helped her grandmother, who helped others. She put aside her social class and did not hesitate to put herself out there. 

6) How would you describe Julie's attitude toward her disability?

Julie's disability did not hinder her from completing her mission. Julie continued to teach young children in the room she was confined at. It shows that even with a disability, Julie remained positive and determined. There is nothing that can stop you if you put your mind and heart to it. In this case, Julie gave her all to be able to teach, even if it meant sacrifice. 

7) What opportunities existed for women at this time?

Opportunities for women at this time were a few to nothing. Women were viewed as housewives are were not allowed to do much. Any form of work, aside from what was stereotyped, was considered illegal.

8) What lessons do the experiences of these women hold for us today?

1. Reminds me of the quote from the Patron Saint of my high school: "You do not need to be rich to give, it is enough to be good." Being able to give back to society is not determined by your social class, nor is it determined by any social construct. If you have a good heart, and the willingness to give back, that is enough. 

2. I thought of a line that struck me from the recent movie "Little Women.": 

"Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts," Jo tells her mother, Marmee (Laura Dern). "And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I'm so sick of it!"

Often, women are either restricted or limited because of stereotypes laid upon them. The experiences of Julie and Francoise prove that we have a voice to speak our minds, and we should not be limited by society. Therefore we need to fight for what we believe is both just and right. 

Describe any Foundresses Week activity or activities in which you participated this week. What did you learn this week about our Foundresses, or about the History of Mission of Notre Dame de Namur learning institutions?

The "Bag Lunch Project" was a Foundress week event I wanted to join, but unfortunately, I was unable to due to my schedule. The project aims on assembling brown bag lunches and donating it to a local shelter.

What I learned about the Notre Dame de Namur learning institutions is the rich history it has. Learning more about the sisters and the founders prove how much of an academically centered university Notre Dame is. Dating back to the beginning, the passion for teaching and educate young people to help them make an impact in the world is still present today.

That is all for this blog post! I hope you enjoyed reading all my answers :) till the next post!