"I don't know how one knows where aspirations arise. I suspect that I always wanted to do better myself intellectually and financially than the people around me."
Drawing of 1907 classroom - NC Collection
Women who broke new ground by pursuing advanced degrees or distinguished careers at a time when higher education and professional careers were reserved for men did not necessarily do so with the deliberate intention of challenging norms or making a stand for women’s rights. Their reasons for pursuing their goals were many and varied.
For some women, pursuing an advanced degree or a professional career was a natural expression of their interests. They had received good educations and had discovered areas of inquiry which truly fascinated them and in which they had a genuine talent.
To completely stop pursuing their interests and talents was unacceptable to these women, and so they sought master’s degrees, doctorates, or entered law or medical schools. Their desire to continue pursuing and honing their interests and abilities led them to challenge the normal roles for women.
