Amid the chaos of classes and extracurriculars, an animated gathering of girls shares secrets, fears and desires. The group, called Girl Talk, is not the preteen game, but rather a forum designed by and for women at the University.
"The goal [of Girl Talk] is to create a space that is empowering, enlightening, enriching . . . a safe space for women to share their feelings," said Deborah Blanks, associate dean of religious life.
The meetings are moderated primarily by Blanks, Heddye Ducree, director of the Carl A. Fields Center and Amada Sandoval, director of the Women's Center.
Two years ago, Ducree founded Girl Talk as a pilot program to last four weeks, but during the second week, members decided to have meetings on a regular basis, and the series "blossomed," Blanks said.
The first informational meeting was held Wednesday in the Murray-Dodge East Room, where the formality of the surroundings was lightened by the lively conversation of female freshmen, graduate students and professors.
The meeting began with initial introductions, a "centering" exercise designed to relax the already intimate circle and "testimonies" from older undergraduates who are continuing members.
"I thought it was a really relaxing environment, and the people there were really welcoming," Caroline Cheng '06 said. "There was a sense that they really cared about the other people in the group."
When speaking of past years in the group, upperclassmen offered warm memories about therapeutic times spent with a wide variety of people.
"I think it is just an amazing forum in that it's just personal discussion," said Keija Parssinen '03, who has been with the group since it began.
"Academic discussion is provided for in classes, but Girl Talk allows people to connect with others who they normally wouldn't.
"It crosses class [year] and eating boundaries and breaks down those barriers."
Nada Elbuluk '04 said she has "never seen anything like it at Princeton."
Indeed, there has not been anything like Girl Talk at the University since women were first admitted, participants said.
"I don't think there has been a group specifically that has been shaped around an open discussion of issues," Blanks said.
But now there is, and with the promise of a stress-free, open and relaxing environment, it remains the only group of its kind on campus.
Read More
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
Effort to restore chapel’s pews slowly progresses
Ben GoldstonHead carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Head carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Metals, molecules, and medicine: chemical biology’s influence on health and sustainability
Aanya KaseraChemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.
Chemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.