Frosh Women Winter Welcome
Over one hundred years ago, the Cap and Gown founders strove to bring all Stanford women together to build collegial relationships among women. In 2006, Cap and Gown renewed this original purpose by establishing the Frosh Women Winter Welcome, which brings Frosh women together with Stanford women faculty, Cap and Gown actives, and alumnae.
On the evening of the Frosh Women Winter Welcome, women of all ages and roles at Stanford gather for informal roundtable conversations, to hear inspiring words from guest speakers, and to enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries!
With the support of the Stanford Associates, the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Earth Sciences, the Dean of Freshmen, the Women's Community Center and the Alumni Association, this event has been a growing success and will certainly become a long-lasting tradition.
2007 FWWW
The second Frosh Women Winter Welcome was held on Thursday, January 18, 2007 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in McCaw Hall at Arrillaga Alumni Center. Click here to see the program.
We had more than 130 Stanford women representing students, faculty, staff, and alumnae enjoying chocolate and strawberries and friendly conversation. We had terrific speakers each telling her story and sharing insights and advice. We had facilitated discussions among women with Stanford experience ranging from decades to just one quarter. We talked about both easy and difficult subjects. Best of all, we saw some new relationships and networks being formed that will only strengthen the community of women at Stanford.
There were also wonderful insights shared by speakers and during the table group discussions. Several themes arose:
- Life Choices: Try to imagine what you would like to do. Women sometimes see choice as a burden, thinking that we must make the right choice, the perfect choice. It’s not necessarily the choice itself, it’s what you do with it. Leave behind the burden about making the "perfect" choice. It is OK to make changes but be sure that it is because you are choosing a positive. Don't change course because you have an unwarranted negative perception due to doubt.
- Finding Your Passion: Listen for “light bulb moments” – a flash of understanding or interest in a topic. Be sure to write it down and track such moments over time. Discuss these moments with trusted friends and advisors or turn it into your next paper or major.
- Seek Mentors: Attend professors’ office hours. Remember, there is no one person who can give you "perfect" advice. Get the perspectives of several mentors and friends.
If you would like to be involved in planning or participating in the 2008 Frosh Women Winter Welcome, please email Tiffany Castillo at tiffanyc [at] stanford.edu.