STEPHANIE BRINK | features editor
On Tuesday, March 24, the second of three Senior Women’s Forums took place in LAPC in which self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist” Kristin Ritzau, MAS program coordinator, encouraged 15 senior women to make “space to grieve, grow and give” during this transitional period of life.
Through the retelling of her own life journey after college graduation, Ritzau wanted to help the women redefine their future expectations and provide tools they can use to continue growth.
“I hope you leave tonight with hope and get a glimpse of what lies ahead,” Ritzau said. “I wish someone had told me ‘redo your expectations.’”
The women listened attentively, munched on cookies and participated by writing with crayons on the tablecloths the things they looked forward to, feared and wanted to let go of in their lives.
Ritzau discussed the importance of grieving during times of transition, a process she believes is often rushed in American culture.
“We need to learn to sit in our empty space—the holes in our own hearts—to be whole,” Ritzau said.
Whether it’s walking, taking baths or visiting monasteries, Ritzau suggested creating “sacred space” where this grieving can occur.
Ritzau also emphasized the importance of “self care” in life after graduation.
“Self care is not selfish because we’re human beings, not human doings,” Ritzau said. “The number one thing I did in graduate school was learn to take care of myself.”
Seeking mentors, having hobbies and creating a book list were ways Ritzau encouraged women to continue to learn and grow.
She challenged the senior women to give, both to others and to themselves, by participating in a church, investing in friendships, and learning to forgive.
Ritzau concluded by guiding the women through a prayer of examination, in which they spent time reflecting on the joys and disappointments of their college years. Afterwards, the women were given time to express their feelings through art journaling.
Senior philosophy major Caity Schwass was grateful she attended.
“I’ve been going and going and going,” Schwass said. “I knew I wouldn’t make space myself and this would give me the time to intentionally look at things in my life that I would otherwise avoid.”
She left the forum inspired to continue pursuing her passions.
“It helped me to remember that just because a dream is deferred, don’t give up on it,” Schwass said.
This is the first year that senior women’s forums have been offered, the result of collaborative efforts between the Office of Student Success and the Women’s Resource Center. Assistant Director of the Office of Student Success Melissa Stava, Graduate Assistant for the Women’s Resource Center Charity Stutzman and graduate student Jana McCarthy developed the idea and planned the events.
“Calling it a forum allows for many avenues, whether it’s using scripture for spiritual development, a panel discussion or giving women guidance and tools like tonight,” Stutzman said. “It could take on different forms, but the hope is that it will grow.”
Ultimately, through this event, Stutzman wanted to support senior women through the emotional transition they are walking through.
The next and final Senior Women’s Forum this year is a dinner and panel discussion on Tuesday, April 14 in UTCC.
