Looking back, high school was the best four years of my life. My high school years were filled with so many memories, and lessons I learned that are irreplaceable. This was all because of the awesome school that I attended, an all girls catholic school. Typically when people hear this they’re shocked and ask how I survived. Well, to be honest, ‘surviving’ was easy because my high school became my home away from home. There are many things that I miss about my all girls catholic school, but here are a few:
1. Being close with my teachers
College is nothing like high school. You don’t really have a chance to form a relationship with a professor you see once or twice a week. Want to hear something crazy? If you don’t hand in homework, or fail multiple tests, typically professors won’t care. I would always complain about teachers nagging you to pay attention, study more, or they would chase you for a late homework assignment. Don’t take it for granted; these teachers who go out of their way for you, are a gift. Teachers in a catholic school have something different about them. They care about the work you do, and how much effort you put into it. Considering the fact that many of the teachers are alumni as well, they knew what it was like to be in your seat, literally. It was nice to be able to share the bond of the same school with them.
2. Uniforms
Wait, so I actually have to pick out an outfit every day now? The days where I would roll out of bed fifteen minutes before I had to leave for school are long gone. I would throw my hair into a bun or some days it didn’t even look like a bun. Now I have to actually put effort into my appearance. I never though I would say I miss my skirt, polo, and knee-highs.
3. School spirit and traditions
School fairs, food drives, pep rallies, talent shows, and first Friday masses. Can't forget senior prank day, how many times do you get to hang pictures of your dean of students all over school? These were the best parts about going to an all girls catholic school. Except of course, getting off for all the Catholic holidays.
4. Knowing everyone
I definitely took advantage of the small school that I graduated from. With only 120 girls in my graduating class, I knew everyone by name. I even knew underclassmen, so going into different classrooms wasn’t weird, I knew almost everyone. Now, you’re lucky if you start a new class and there is one person you recognize.
5. Participation
From cooking club to guitar club there was everything. You knew there was always going to be something to get you involved and feel a part of the school community. Thinking back, the number of clubs I was a part of was insane. Besides having to complete service hours for graduation, I learned to love helping others. I had so many opportunities to help others in ways I wouldn’t even think of.
6. My high school community
Whenever something happened, big or little, we had someone to turn to. When something terrible happened in our school community you would be amazed at the love and support every single person showed. That is definitely something I miss. Knowing that no matter what the situation, someone will always be there for you.
7. The sisters I gained for a lifetime
Frequently, when I go out, I run into girls from high school. Even if they were years ahead of me or in my grade, we all somehow know each other and spark up a nice conversation. But, the girls I miss the most are my class of 2016. The best memories I have from the four years of high school were the times I went on school trips, retreats, senior events, sporting games, or even just sitting around the senior lounge talking. I made so many friends that no matter how much time goes by, I will always love and cherish them.
To all my Maria Regina sisters reading this, always remember, once a tiger always a tiger .
