On Tuesday evening, the St. Rita Community Room was transformed into a cozy and welcoming retreat as undergraduate women joined for an event held by Villanova’s Peer Ministers. The space was thoughtfully organized to encourage relaxation, as soft cushions and pillows were arranged into scattered circles around the floor. The ambiance was warm and gentle, with fairy lights hanging around the room and a faux fireplace playing in the background.
Before the panelists took over, women from all different years mingled with Shirley temples and Hope’s cookies in hand. As the crowd began to settle, senior Peggy Murray introduced herself and the accompanying upperclassmen who would be sharing their experience as undergraduate women at Villanova. Murray began with a simple question: “If there was one word to describe your biggest freshman year insecurity, what would it be?” The words “comparison,” “identity” and “fitting-in” were all thrown out, setting the tone for an honest and relatable discussion.
One junior panelist, Emma Spagnola, expanded on her initial two weeks at Villanova, explaining the loneliness and desperation she had felt. She spoke candidly about being away from home and adjusting to an entirely new environment. Spagnola went on to share a turning point in her journey–joining Villanova’s club running.
“It was the best move I made,” Spagnola said. “It gave me so many great people and experiences that made campus start to feel like home.”
Other panelists echoed similar sentiments, speaking to the pressures of finding their identity and a community in what initially felt like a foreign setting. One junior, Sofia Krzewicki, recalled the emotional complexity of balancing old and new relationships once coming to college.
“It was hard to decipher which people were healthy and good for me,” she said. “Some friendships that had been core to me for years started to feel more toxic than supportive, and I didn’t know how to navigate that.”
Krzewicki’s voice is just one among many, reflecting a common but unspoken feeling that countless students try to work through. She emphasized the importance in acknowledging that change and growth is necessary, which naturally evokes uncomfortable situations. Her vulnerability touched the room, allowing the director of Peer Ministry, Meghan Dietzler, to seamlessly segue into a collective moment of reflection.
The event then shifted into small groups, with one panelist leading each discussion. Participants were encouraged to think deeply about their own encounters as undergraduate women—the moments of doubt and insecurity while also clarity and resilience. Each bubble discussed different wellness behaviors that have been helpful to practice, allowing women to offer guidance and advice to their peers.
Senior Katie Tuberosa touched on a similar experience to panelist Emma Spagnola and said she found comfort in joining Villanova’s Pastorals. Being able to express herself “creatively and artistically” has been an outlet that is true to her personal values. Others in the group mentioned being outside, staying active, talking with others and attending events such as Girls Night. As the conversation unfolded, it was clear that there are powerful threads connecting each woman regardless of their stories not being identical.
“I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to be secure in our path but that is not realistic,” sophomore Mia Cichon said.
For many, this event offered a rare pause in the constant overthinking and dwelling that often fills the minds of young women. It was uplifting to see a group of college students express their imperfections and engage in honest dialogue without fear of judgement. Students lingered even after the event officially ended, continuing their deep conversations and new connections. The guidance from the upperclassmen students empowered others to share their own feelings and hopefully inspired them to partake in similar activities in the future. In just over an hour, the St. Rita Community Room became an area for openness and thoughtfulness, removing any fear of talking about such topics.
