By Sindhu Hirani Blume ’93

These were the words Hollins trustee Linda Lorimer ’74 delivered to a room full of alumnae speakers and mentors before the conference began. We were all in attendance to speak, to advise, and to connect with Hollins students seeking answers about life and work after graduation, to exchange business cards, and to create, as Lorimer said, “a new sisters’ connection.” And while these things may not seem all that extraordinary, they are in fact the basis of a movement: a small step that grows into something bigger and then spreads.

There always has been Hollins networking, both during college and after graduation, but this was the first conference designed to foster direct professional connections between alumnae and students, highlight the range of careers among Hollins graduates, and provide various opportunities for students to ask questions. We alumnae have learned a lot both in our personal and professional lives; why not share that wisdom with students starting their careers? It’s a simple thing to do with the potential for big results.

I found so many of the speeches and remarks at C3 interesting and invigorating, but what especially captured my attention was the students. Almost 20 years out, I still remember the curiosity, nervousness, and excitement I felt about my life after graduation, and all those feelings are there in students today. It has been a given that in my Hollins life I can learn from others and we can help each other. And that’s the point of the C3 conference: to create an environment in which students can ask questions and get answers. This is how the movement starts—to be there when someone asks, “This is what I want to do. How can I get there?”

Related posts:
C3: How to Get Here from There
“Best Conference Ever”
Panels of Experts

Sindhu Hirani Blume is vice president for Trinity Place Technology, a position that employs her extensive experience in communications, consulting, and project management. She is the mother of two. She participated in panels on translating your liberal arts degree into the business world; starting and running a business; and having it all. Read Blume’s thoughts on having it all here.