Agency, Voice, and the Evolution (AVE) of Women at Saint Mary’s, 1920-2023: Spring 2023

Reflecting on the Present, Shadid

The history of Saint Mary’s College is rich in progress, achievement, and women’s empowerment. While the environment and conditions of Saint Mary’s have changed, our Catholic institution has remained the same in its mission to provide women with a quality education and an environment that encourages students to develop their voices and engage in action and social change -- while having fun. What I learned about Saint Mary’s College during this project is that past students were like students today, in that they had similar hobbies and interests, such as going to dances, keeping journals, engaging in athletics, and even meeting boys. While these things may seem insignificant, I find it important that, when exploring the changes of an institution over time, there are similarities and differences that bring the past and present together.

My experience at Saint Mary’s has been supported by being a student, an athlete, and a black woman. No two roles are independent, but instead work together simultaneously, to create a result that has made my experience as Saint Mary’s student. My experience included a high-quality education, a social atmosphere (such as involvement at Notre Dame events), and activism (as seen in our project). My time at Saint Mary's has been a unique experience due to the public health crisis, political divides, and even a change in the College's president. Covid-19 required additional safety measures and a hyper focus not only on our own health but also on the health of our entire student body. The tension of the 2016 political campaign required nearly everyone to acknowledge their own beliefs and values and find ways to give a space and voice to those views. The darker times after George Floyd's death and the protests that followed required me to find my own voice in a place that did not look like me.

As an athlete I found my own little community / sisterhood among fellow athletes. This immediately gave me a place to feel connected, which, in college, can often be difficult. I feel like my historical moment is important because throughout the project, it was apparent that there are not very many women who looked like me, though I know through my experiences it is a place for me. Additionally, I benefited from Notre Dame’s inclusion of Saint Mary’s students. I was able to gain hands-on experience through Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish Media team. This was so important to me, as Saint Mary’s did not offer this specific position or experience through the institution alone. Moreover, I want future students to find their voice, be involved, and actively participate in ways to better the Saint Mary’s College community. They can grow in their ability to change the world, benefit of having incredible opportunities at Notre Dame, and experience the immeasurable community and sisterhood at Saint Mary’s College.

Christina Shadid
Communication Studies

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