What I enjoyed most about learning about the history of the College of Human Ecology was seeing how its founding and growth was so uniquely “Cornell.” Cornell is an institution dedicated to finding the needs of the time and addressing them in an innovative manner. Fully encompassing this spirit, the College of Human Ecology’s founders reached out to the women of New York State to first understand what they wanted and then to formulate a way to help them attain these goals. The College of Human Ecology started as an effort to make the wives of farmers’ lives better in a time when this matter was not much of a concern. It was truly fascinating to see how Cornell embraced and lived by its commitment to be an institution where any person can pursue any study. As. Dr. Blalock mentioned, Yale University did not even admit women until the late 1960s, yet Cornell University was home to a college essentially dedicated to advancing the study of topics in which women were interested. Also, I think it is really interesting to see how the College of Human Ecology has remained true to its founding purpose of advancing and addressing peoples’ needs. From the study of human development to the study of fashion design, the College of Human Ecology continues to put forth empirical findings and practical applications that better the lives of humans.

Another aspect of the College of Human Ecology’s history that I found both fascinating and inspiring was how women embraced their role in the home and sought to carry out this role to the best of their ability. They studied child-rearing practices, experimented with counter top heights, and found ways to make nutritious and inexpensive meals during the depression. In a time where women’s roles were limited, the women of the College of Human Ecology sought opportunity within this role; in doing so, they expanded this role.

I loved finding out that Flora Rose used a progressive, willful spirit to empower women. Now, living in Rose House is reminder to push boundaries, to be open to new areas of study, and to look to respond to the needs of the community in which I am living. I am definitely glad to know Flora Rose’s story.