Ellen Swallow Richards

 AAFCS   CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS  Joyce Beery Miles, CFCS Retired 

Recently, I  heard a pastor talking about how many Christians are often shy and embarrassed to talk about their religion.  He suggested that a careful, systematic study of the Bible and its scriptures would give Christians the power to give more and better testimony.

Soon after hearing this pastor, I was led to think about how often is seems that Family and Consumer Sciences professionals may be shy and apologetic about their chosen profession and their life’s work.  We have taken our share of hits over the years and will continue to face challenges to gain respect for what we do.  But is this necessary? 

I reflected on my journey these past three years learning about the remarkable Ellen Swallow Richards and also about the birth of our professional association 100 years ago.  This reflection allowed me to view this journey as a unique opportunity in my life which has resulted in so much more pride in the profession that I have chosen to practice for over 40 years.  I know for a fact that reading, researching and exploring our history has made it possible to accomplish way beyond my own expectations.  I even surprise myself with the dedication and enthusiasm that I have approached out Centennial activities.

With the production of the Centennial DVD on the Life and Legacy of Ellen Swallow Richards, along with my reenactment of Ellen “IN HER OWN WORDS”, I have found a renewed spirit and conviction about what we stand for as a profession.  I am comfortable in sharing with others the rich past of our profession as we have practiced applied science to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities for over 100 years.  I can also speak with conviction that we will continue to do this for the next 100 years with the support of our Centennial Challenge Campaign. 

Won’t you join us on a journey through the past 100 years?  I guarantee that should you decide to take this trip yourself, at the end of the journey, you will not be the same person who started.  You, too, will have a renewed spirit and conviction about our honored past, our inspired present and our secure future.

Visit aafcs.org for more centennial ideas.