A Summary:

This weekend 12 Bryn Mawr students attended the Seven Sisters Conference at Mount Holyoke.  The annual conference which serves as a forum for the remaining schools in the Seven Sisters Consortium to discuss issues on campus and to encourage and improve relations between the Seven Sisters, as well as is an opportunity for furthering education, was held at Bryn Mawr last year. This year’s conference was themed “Facilitating Student Activism.”  Delegates from Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley were invited to hear from Loung Ung, a Cambodian genocide survivor, author, and activist, and participate in discussions about activism on campus.  The Bryn Mawr delegation had a wonderful time learning from other students and getting to know other Seven Sisters. To find out more information about the conference, check out the conversation on twitter!

-Vrinda Varia’13

What the delegation had to say:

Attending workshops focusing on issues such as dealing with student apathy and how to be a more effective and inspirational leader, I walked away from this conference with a fresh perspective on how different methods of leadership can improve my effectiveness as a campus leader and student activist.

-Katherine Lewis’ 12

I’m glad I went because I came to realize that yes, we still have issues to address on Bryn Mawr campus, but the open dialogue and dedication to everyone who is a part of this campus is at the very least something we all strive for.

-Irene Shin’13

I think one of the most important parts that came out of the Seven Sisters Conference was being reminded of how incredible and important the bond of the Seven Sisters is.  We are a cohort of students empowered by common goals of encouraging women’s education and leadership. This bond is so incredibly unique and it something that should be continued and strengthened for other younger generations.

– Priya Saxena’ 12

It allowed me to see what we can take and learn from our other sister schools, but also to appreciate that we have something that no other 7 Sister has: a true dedication to SELF-Governance, rather than Student-Governance.

-Daniele Arad-Neeman’13

By placing Bryn Mawr in comparison to the other colleges, the conference highlighted our strengths, and how to best use them in ways that the other institutions could not.

Jacinda Tran’13

The discussion on non-traditional student programs at the Seven Sisters was invaluable for me as Advocacy Mistress for the McBrides. Francis Perkins students from Mount Holyoke were present, Ada Comstock Scholars from Smith, and traditional-aged Welsley students were representing their Davis Scholars. Each of our programs has been shrinking over the past few years. However, in the discussion it became apparent that Adas and the McBrides get the most support from the traditional student population. A listserv is being created and I am super thrilled about the door that this Seven Sisters Council opened for collaboration on non-traditional programs.
The President of Mount Holyoke spoke at the closing brunch. She mentioned scarcity of female Presidents of colleges, especially those who were married and had children – I was super proud of President McAuliffe!

-Julie Gorham’12

Every year, the Conference re-energizes me. Not only do I spend a weekend with impressive, intelligent and articulate student leaders, but I come back to Bryn Mawr with a long list of ideas! I feel as though each school’s governments do some things really great and the weekend is a great learning opportunity… Additionally, I am reminded by how much I love self governance. Mawrters are extremely lucky.

This year, I loved the opportunity to reconnect with representatives from the other 7Sisters Schools (This was my third conference!) as well as form stronger bonds amongst the Bryn Mawr students. I am excited about the future of the 7Sisters relationships and look forward to the growing network. I will continue to foster these connections until my term on the 7Sisters Council ends this February.

-Yong Jung Cho’12

Original Post on www.sga.blogs.brynmawr.edu