A Women’s College?
In all honesty, I never thought I attend a women’s college.
I saw value for it, but never considered myself the “type of woman” that would benefit from a women’s college education. It seemed like a relic of the past and an option for women when the world was maybe less supportive and inclusive? Or maybe an environment for someone more shy or reserved? Or maybe a place for only women's and gender studies? Simply put, I had a lot of preconceived notions. Regardless, my dad encouraged me to explore my options, go on a tour, and be open to the idea.
We arrived at Wellesley College’s campus on a warm August morning. I immediately thought the campus was like a botanical garden - lush, vast, and manicured. We began our tour and I learned that Wellesley College was founded in 1870 as a member of the Seven Sisters, a group of women's colleges that includes Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, and Vassar. Wellesley College in particular had a focus on issues of women, democracy, and gender equity and a long list of celebrity alums. Unknowingly, many of those alums had been personal role models to me given their contributions in the public and private sectors. Within the next hour, my feelings around a women’s college experience began to shift.
As I listened to the stories, passions, experiences, and goals of current students, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by these types of people for at least four years. Their visions were crystal and words compelling. I felt inspired and motivated (and a little intimidated too)! I began to understand what it meant to attend a women’s college and the gravity of such an experience.
I applied quickly after my visit and was later welcomed into the Wellesley College class of 2021.
I saw value for it, but never considered myself the “type of woman” that would benefit from a women’s college education. It seemed like a relic of the past and an option for women when the world was maybe less supportive and inclusive? Or maybe an environment for someone more shy or reserved? Or maybe a place for only women's and gender studies? Simply put, I had a lot of preconceived notions. Regardless, my dad encouraged me to explore my options, go on a tour, and be open to the idea.
We arrived at Wellesley College’s campus on a warm August morning. I immediately thought the campus was like a botanical garden - lush, vast, and manicured. We began our tour and I learned that Wellesley College was founded in 1870 as a member of the Seven Sisters, a group of women's colleges that includes Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, and Vassar. Wellesley College in particular had a focus on issues of women, democracy, and gender equity and a long list of celebrity alums. Unknowingly, many of those alums had been personal role models to me given their contributions in the public and private sectors. Within the next hour, my feelings around a women’s college experience began to shift.
As I listened to the stories, passions, experiences, and goals of current students, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by these types of people for at least four years. Their visions were crystal and words compelling. I felt inspired and motivated (and a little intimidated too)! I began to understand what it meant to attend a women’s college and the gravity of such an experience.
I applied quickly after my visit and was later welcomed into the Wellesley College class of 2021.