Rebecca Bostic

Religious Studies Department Chair
Student Mission Committee Moderator
Sophomore Class Moderator
Fashion FITS Moderator
Started 2019

When students tell me that her commitment to her faith tradition has grown as a result of being in my class, or at the school, that is my "why" moment. It can be that a Catholic student becomes more strongly identified with our Catholic tradition, but I have also had Muslim, Hindu and Jewish students who more deeply connected to their faith traditions as a result of being in Religious Studies classes.

What is your role at Flintridge Sacred Heart?

Religious Studies Department Chair

What do your students call you?

Mrs. Bostic

What made you want to work at Flintridge Sacred Heart?

My godmother and namesake is a Dominican Sister of San Jose! For me, when I came to visit Flintridge Sacred Heart, I really felt the Dominican charism was strongly present and authentically lived out among the students, faculty and staff. The pillars of Service, Community, Faith and Study were all so strongly present, and I wanted to get to be a part of all of that!

What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?

When students tell me that her commitment to her faith tradition has grown as a result of being in my class, or at the school, that is my "why" moment. It can be that a Catholic student becomes more strongly identified with our Catholic tradition, but I have also had Muslim, Hindu and Jewish students who more deeply connected to their faith traditions as a result of being in Religious Studies classes. That is always a big moment for me, personally and professionally. Also, anytime I get to to see evidence of student grow in terms of her ability to advocate for a social justice issue that she cares about, that is a proud moment.

What has been your favorite teaching moment at Flintridge Sacred Heart?

While we were on Zoom for the Covid-19 pandemic, one of my check-in "questions of the day" was to share your pet with the class. I saw a lot of cute dogs and cats, but then one student popped up with her chicken! It was hilarious, sweet and fun all at the same time.

What excites you most about your work here on the Hill?

I really feel that these students are going to be the future leaders of our world; so to get to formulate the way they think critically about the problems and injustices of the world feels like a very big responsibility and incredibly energizing at the same time. When I see girls really start to think about complex issues from a variety of viewpoints, that makes me excited for their learning and the future of our world.

What is Flintridge Sacred Heart's best kept secret?

I think everyone knows how strong our community is here on the Hill, but I am not sure everyone knows how much FUN we have building that community up here!

What do you love about the all-girls environment at Flintridge Sacred Heart?

Girls are free to be themselves, take risks and be silly. I love seeing the girls let their guard down and offer unformed ideas in class discussions. I love how wildly spirited our spirit days are. I also enjoy how often I get to see students doing a random cartwheel as I walk around campus.

What's your favorite spot on campus?

The dining hall in the Administration Building. It feels like Hogwarts and I always get to enjoy a great conversation with colleagues if I am in there eating lunch.

When not in the classroom, where can you be found?

The Portables Patio, the view from Crane Field can't be beat!

What's your favorite place in the world?

The grotto at the University of Notre Dame (my alma mater).

Who has made the biggest impact on you?

So many women I have worked with throughout my career at all-girls schools (at least half of them are Religious Sisters)— the investment of these mentors in my development has developed me into the educator and person I am today. I am so grateful for the generosity of these female mentors in my life.

What book, movie, music, piece of art could you not live without?

I am a huge a Jane Austen fan (One of my daughters is named after my favorite Jane Austen character!). But also, Julie Andrews, from "Sound of Music" to "The Princess Diaries," she is a legend!