Growing up in Catholic schools leaves a mark on you in more ways than one. Despite the misconceptions regarding strict nuns and constant prayer, my 13 years of Catholic education have left me with friends and memories that will last me a lifetime. I am beyond thankful to have been able to attend a Catholic school for my whole life and if you can relate to these 12 points, hopefully you feel as blessed as I do.
1. Uniforms
The epitome of a blessing and a curse. Sure, the sweaters were itchy and being told to tuck in your shirt may have seemed like the end of the world but don't say you don't miss them. Not having to pick out an outfit every morning before school was something you definitely took for granted. Not to mention that the plaid skirt and knee sock look was actually kind of cute.
2. And because of uniforms, "I have nothing to wear."
You don't know the true meaning of this phrase unless you went to a Catholic school. Heavy cardigans and white button downs continue to take up most of the space in your closet. Back-to-school shopping is actually a foreign concept for you, unless buying tights without holes in them from time to time counts.
3. Fridays = pizza.
And I'm not just talking Lent, either. Your school did things old school. Pizza for lunch every Friday. All year long. And don't lie, you looked forward to it.
4. Dress down days were your everything.
These things were like Christmas. Finally, a chance to show people that you actually have a sense of style and a wardrobe beyond the polos. Or a chance to wear sweatpants. It was usually the latter.
5. You know how to bend the dress code.
Rolling your skirt, pretending to tuck in your shirt, mid calves instead of actual knee socks - these little tricks got you through your 13 years as comfortably (and stylishly) as you possibly could have.
6. Having a two hour delay on a mass day.
Did someone say 15 minute classes?
7. Ash Wednesday was always a competition to see who could get the best cross on their forehead.
You knew exactly which priest would give you the Michelangelo-esque cross, and God help you if you got the smudge. There was no use trying to fix it. We just took the criticism and moved on.
8. Catholic Schools Week.
Perhaps the best part about going to a Catholic school was Catholic Schools week. An entire week devoted to coming together to celebrate your school, with dress down days, ice cream and color wars. What could be better?
9. Playing church
Not only did you enjoy playing school and house, but you also undoubtedly forced your parents to listen to you preach from the Gospel and sing your favorite hymns. The best part was Holy Communion: Cheez-itz for hosts, and water for wine (only because mom didn't want grape juice spilling on the carpet).
10. Church songs
You know every word to every song in the hymnal by heart, and you sing them out loud and proud. You know exactly when to clap, along with every hand motion to "Lord I Lift Your Name on High."
11. Prayers before sporting events
"Our Lady of Victory...Pray for us!" Whatever team you were a part of in high school most likely shouted this shamelessly before every game. Not only were you proud to be a part of your school but you were proud of your faith, too.
12. Your class was like a family.
Most Catholic schools tend to be smaller than public schools, which results in very small class sizes. I graduated from the 8th grade with a total of 15 kids in my grade, all of whom had been together in the same building since kindergarten. Your classmates were just like siblings: they may have gotten annoying every now and then but deep down, you wouldn't have traded them for anything.
