The women of Hillsdale College have the gift of an experienced community of women who desire to give them wisdom, according to Assistant Director of the Student Activities Office Emma Widmer.

The women gathered at the annual Curate Summit event on Feb. 14 at the Searle Center and Dow Hotel under the theme, “Dwell.”

The keynote speakers, Sohn House Director Carly Boerema and Director of Academic Services Christy Maier, spoke on what it looks like and means to “dwell” in our lives today. 

“We dwell in physical spaces, but we also have an internal dwelling and a place where we abide inwardly,” Boerema said. “There is so much going on around us, so cultivating a place where we dwell inwardly is just really, really important.” 

The keynote speakers urged young women to pause and consider where they pour their time, care, and thought. Curate offered a variety of talks, ranging from navigating relationships with parents, dating, women’s health, and friendships.

Freshman Anna Coyle said she was not  sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by the wisdom of the speakers.

“The keynote speakers did an amazing job, reminding us we all have an interior space and specific lies that we struggle with, but that we might not often think about,” Coyle said.

In addition to the talks, Curate offered attendees a light breakfast, free Jane Austen novels, embroidery crafting stations, wax-sealed letter-writing stations, raffle items, and lunch. 

Senior Avery Nowowiejski has attended Curate for the past three years. She said this was the best Curate she has attended. 

“It is time to stop and think about having more intentionality,” Nowowiejski said. “I really have enjoyed the opportunity to do that alongside my friends, to discuss the topics.” 

In a talk titled “After Eighteen: Navigating Relationships with Your Parents,” mother and daughter Bethany and Emma Widmer wrestled with the dynamic complexities of the relationship between young adults and their parents. 

After attending this talk, junior Livia Dodd reflected on her own relationship with her parents.

“The best things I gained from the talk were just practical reminders to treat my parents with gentleness, respect, and remember that it is their first time through life, too,” Dodd said. 

Sophomore Sophie Ortiz has been contemplating the theme of “dwelling” this year and found the Curate Summit to align with scripture she has been reflecting on.

“Curate, to me, is a wonderful time to connect with women on campus and to attend to all the different areas of our lives and reorient so that we can move forward,” Ortiz said.