My first two years of Franciscan University were some that I have been extremely blessed to experience. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Yet, during my time there, I noticed some similarities to a certain favorite fictional school of mine. As a child, I had dreamt of receiving my very own Hogwarts letter in the mail in hopes of attending this wonderful and magical place. Little did I know then that my University would be very similar in some surprising ways.
1. The School is in the Middle of Nowhere
While Hogwarts is placed up in the mountains of Scotland, Franciscan University is tucked away in the small town of Steubenville, OH.
2. The seasons are always stunning.
Just walking around campus in the fall, it literally feels as if you have stepped into a magical world.
3. People from all over the country flock to this place
Hogwarts has students from all over the United Kingdom, as well as from different cultures (who could forget the Patil Twins, or the Irish-born Seamus Finnegan). Franciscan has students from literally all over the United States, as well as numerous students from different countries
4. It's the best in its area
Franciscan is one of the best known authentically Catholic schools in America. Hogwarts is the best (and only) of its kind in all of England
5. Of course, we're not the only one
Ave Maria, Christendom and Notre Dame could be compared to Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and the newly introduced Ilvermorny. But Franciscan is still the best.
6. We have well known teachers that everyone in the Catholic Community knows of
I'm pretty sure that Scott Hahn has reached the same amount of popularity in the Catholic world as Dumbledore has in the Wizarding world.
7. Our classes are just a little bit different than the norm
We don't have charms or potions, but we do have classes like "Christian Marriage," and "Scripture and Tradition."
8. Our fields of study are uncommon here as well
Majors in theology, catechetics, and philosophy are just as common as a Hogwarts student working towards a job as an Auror, or any other position in the Ministry of Magic.
9. We have sports that no one really knows about
Like, seriously. Who actually plays Rugby?
10. Almost everyone has joined a House(hold)
Described on the university website as, "communities [that] are formed to help members grow in mind, body, and spirit through mutual support and accountability [...] Through the relationships found in Households, individuals are transformed and develop their capacity to be an evangelizing presence in the University, the Catholic Church and the world." Households are basically small faith-filled communities of students (almost akin to Sororities and Fraternities) that have a Catholic focus. Each Household has an individual spirituality, and each member calls one another onto Holiness. Though a huge presence on campus, not every student is involved in a Household.
11. Its so easy to identify what household another person belongs to.
"An Obsession with Mary Magdalene, and constantly in flannel...yeah, she's in Rosa Mystica." "Earthy and naturalistic, totally a DOZ* girl!"
*Daughters of Zion
12. We are constantly battling the forces of evil
We fight the spiritual battle through living out our Faith in an authentically Catholic manner. Catholicism is deeply rooted into our university. With Mass offered three times a day, confession offered almost daily, and multiple opportunities for prayer, the rosary, perpetual adoration, and works of mercy, we are encouraged to grow live and grow in our Faith.
13. It's home
