QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Up, Ellie said, “Adventure is out there.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Right now, you’re likely bogged down with finals and end-of-the-semester work. It’s necessary, but it’s not exactly a time of great joy. But, adventure is out there. In a little over a week, when summer break begins, you’ll be free to enjoy some time outside of the stress of academia. Enjoy it! Go find your adventure.

To students, Falvey wishes you a manageable finals week and a happy break! To our Senior Wildcats, happy graduation! We’re confident you’ll do great things.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, May 8

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Tuesday, May 9

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Wednesday, May 10

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Thursday, May 11

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Today, May 8, is Reward Yourself Day. With finals upon us, I don’t doubt that we’re all working hard. Today, perhaps after you’re done studying or done with work, treat yourself to something that makes you happy, whether it’s a tasty treat, a new pair of shoes, or a walk in the park. You deserve it!

Fittingly, National Mental Health Awareness Day is Wednesday, May 10. Feelings of stress and being burnt out are certainly common during finals, and if it’s your last year here, you might be feeling sad to leave or anxious to start the next chapter in your life. Take some time today (or even just this week) to prioritize your mental health. If you’re struggling, talk to someone in your support system and utilize Villanova’s health and well-being resources.

Saturday, May 13, is Brunch for Lunch Day. If you’re looking for something to do with your friends or family for the end of the semester, enjoy some avocado toast, crepes, bottomless mimosas (if you’re of age), or any one of your go-to brunch staples. Personally, I’m partial to french toast.

This Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day. If you’re feeling grateful, celebrate your maternal figure, whether that’s your mom or another positive female role model in your life. On a personal note, I’m endlessly grateful to my mom and all of the women who helped raise me. If you’re a mother or a maternal figure to someone, we at Falvey thank you.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Augustine of Hippo and his mother Saint Monica by Ary Scheffer (1795-1858) (WikiCommons)

By Gerald Dierkes

Mrs. Hopewell in Flannery O’Connor’s “Good Country People”; Sethe in Toni Morrison’s Beloved; Suyuan Woo, Lindo Jong, An-mei Hsu, and Ying-ying St. Clair in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club: literature provides countless examples of this family member who fills such a crucial role in our lives.

From the classics—Gertrude in Hamlet—to the contemporary—Mrs. Iselin in Richard Condon’s The Manchurian Candidate—some literary mothers offer unflattering illustrations. The Bible, however, presents positive role models. Jochebed made her heartrending choice to save her baby Moses’ life. St. Anne shared an uncommon bond with her daughter, Mary the mother of Jesus.

And our University’s patron saint, Augustine, had an exceptional mother: St. Monica. Her faith and her persistent dedication to her son convey a profound influence, as described in Augustine’s Confessions.

Has a mother from literature influenced you? Do you find any literary mothers particularly memorable? Please contribute your suggestions in our comments section.

Gerald Dierkes is Access & Collections Coordinator, Stacks Maintenance, at Falvey Memorial Library. This blog was originally published May 10, 2013.