But unable to find a solution, he exclaimed to Jewett: “I wish someone would tell me what to do with my money. It's the plague of my life!” Jewett wasted no time in telling Vassar of his dream of founding a women's college with resources to rival Harvard and Yale. He now had Vassar's attention, but he needed to gain their trust in the project. To accomplish this goal, Jewett first corresponded with her colleagues in education about their thoughts on a women's college and presented their responses to Vassar. The responses were in agreement that a women's college was needed and that the time had come for Vassar and Jewett to pursue such a project. Furthermore, in a letter to Vassar in 1856, Jewett acknowledged that the task would be challenging and would have many critics, but all great projects to benefit the human race encounter opposition; Vassar College would be worth it. Furthermore, “the wise man, basing himself on fixed principles . . . without being terrified by obstacles, insensitive to ridicule, he moves forward with serenity" and does not let harsh criticism dissuade him from completing the project. He also noted that if Vassar undertook this feat, its name would be "more enduring than the pyramids," it would honor Poughkeepsie, and it would be revered for