To my dear plaid skirt,

How are you doing in my dresser? Did you know people asked if they could have you? Like for themselves to wear to school. I know- Crazy!! Don’t worry, I said no! You are mine, and I won’t share.

I miss you. Aside from giving me 10 more minutes of sleep every morning and sparing me the judgment of an ugly shirt, you have done the unimaginable for me. There was no one there for me like you, I mean seriously every single day.

In college, there are lots of people that never wore one of you, and they are shocked to hear that I did. “You went to an all girl high school? Are you kidding me? How did you survive?”

I tell them, “You know, it’s funny actually, I more than survived.” This past weekend five years ago, (I’m getting real old) I was not so patiently waiting to be accepted into my Catholic high school of all girls. Then, I was just so excited to just have a locker and not stand in single-file lines like grade school, but I hadn’t met you at the uniform store yet. I had no idea where you were taking me.

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I had no idea that the brick building I wore you to every day would become my second home. I had no idea that the girls that I had never met on my first day of freshman year would become my family in just four short years. I had no idea that the teachers and staff would become such big supporters. I had no idea that my education would not only prepare me for college, but life.

I had no idea the values instilled in me would stay with me forever. I had no idea that this idea of “service” would no longer be a chore, but something I enjoyed. I had no idea that without boys, you can get more done! (Who knew?) I had no idea that my faith would be strengthened by 10 due to my surroundings. I had no idea that I would become a better me thanks to the people around pushing me to my fullest potential.

Freshman year, I remember calling my mom (I was in high school now- phones are allowed), and she asked me how my day was. To which I responded, “Mom, I cannot stop smiling, I just love it here so much!” Not that every day was perfect because we both know it wasn’t, but you were there to dry (literally) my tears of happiness, sadness, or most likely stress. Oh and remember those days, we’d be with each other all day long? Like 6 a.m. to midnight? Yeah, those were the fun times when people would ask, “Why are you still in your uniform?” “It’s comfy, and I like it,” never failed.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have had such a great high school experience because I have heard horror stories of these famous four years. The gratefulness doesn’t stop to where your perfect fit is leading me.

I honestly had no idea it would be so hard to leave. I miss you, but hopefully one day you can take my mini-me through it all. When you do, I hope you make her as happy as you made me.

Thank you for being my security blanket, or skirt, in this case,

Lindsey