Founders' week

For founders week I participated in the milk and cookies event with the sisters of Notre Dame De Namur.  Everyone who participated met in the quad area and got milk and cookies to bring to the sisters.  We then got to meet the sisters at their residence and gathered in the shared dining room.  The sisters were very interactive and enjoyed hearing a bit about us.  They seemed genuinely interested in the students that participated in this event and it was evident that they were dedicated to the school.  After hearing a bit about us, each sister gave us some insight into their lives as teachers and explained why they dedicated their lives to the church.  From an outside perspective, they glowed when they talked about becoming sisters as young adults. The sisters were happy that some of the students were giving back to the community by working with a community partner for this class.

            Before I talked to the sisters I knew nothing about the history of Notre Dame De Namur.  I was surprised to hear just how old it was and how it was one of the oldest colleges in California.  I was truly proud of my school when one of the sisters let me know that Notre Dame De Namur University was the first school in the state to give women a higher education degree.  I also did not know that the school started out as an all girls’ school.  When applying to colleges one thinks about finances and location, but the history is not part of the application process.  I literally came into this school knowing nothing about its history, so I am happy that I got the chance to learn more through its sisters. 

            The sisters truly are inspirational.  They exude selflessness and they gave up their lives to help others less fortunate.  The sisters don’t ask for anything in return for giving their lives to the church, but rather they look content and fulfilled by their choice.  Even though students at NDNU are not likely to dedicate their lives to the church, upon meeting the sisters they could be more likely to be involved in community pursuits.  Meeting women who are so altruistic could motivate some students to find a career that helps others who may not have the same opportunities that we are awarded.  Political science is field that affects everyone at some point in their life, whether it is on a federal level like voting for a president, or on a state level by voting in propositions.  As students of this field we have a greater chance of helping people and touching lives than many other majors.  Anyone who met these sisters could not help but be impressed by their noble choice to give their lives to help others.