In my 19 years, I have never been to a public school, and I am perfectly fine with that. My parents were (and still are) fortunate enough to send my brother and I to private school since Pre-Kindergarten. If anyone has gone to a school long enough, you understand that sometimes you just need a change of scenery. I decided this my freshman year of high school. My parents hesitantly agreed, but they knew that it would be in my best interest. After the hustle and bustle of the admissions process, I finally was on my way to begin this new chapter of my life. Looking back on my experience today, as I sit in the library of my college, I knew my decision to leave everything I have ever known, and to start all over, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Here are some of the reasons going to boarding school has impacted my life so greatly:
Independence
Not only did this experience of boarding school shape the woman I am today, it has accelerated my independence. Self-sufficiency is fundamental if you attend boarding school. Your mother is not there to wake you up every morning, make your breakfast, and get you to practice on time. It is all up to you. Going to boarding school gives you a leg up once you venture off to college. The independence I have gained has been life changing.
Student-Faculty Connections
Going to a small school allowed me to emotionally connect with my teachers and the faculty around me. Most faculty who are in charge of the dormitories also teach an academic subject, or coach a sport. The fact that our teachers were able to get to know us on such a personal level, was remarkable. To this day, I still consider some of my teachers as the most loyal confidants I have ever met. Classes were small enough to have that one on one connection that people wish for in college. I don't know where I would be without some of the faculty who have helped me achieve my goals, and get me to the place I am today, and I can not thank them enough for that.
Sports
Leaving home, and going to this school has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and try different athletic activities that I would of never of tried if I stayed home. From running hurdles in track to making it to regionals in tennis, to beating my personal record for cross country, the possibilities were endless. All of our sports required us to travel to different parts of the state, broadening our horizons (and giving us a chance to leave campus for a bit).
The People I Have Met
Throughout my time spent at boarding school, I have met some of the most influential, inspiring, caring, people that have left a mark in my life. I cherish the memories I have made with them, and although we have all parted ways and are all far apart, we will always be close. This experience has opened my eyes and my perspective on my fellow peers. Some of my friends I had made over the years, I will never forget.
Reminiscing on my days at boarding school bring back a flood of emotions. I spent three years of my life in a small town in Sewanee, Tennessee. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend that school. The experience has not only changed my life for the better, but it has changed my perspective of the world, helped me mature as a young woman, and assisted me with finding my dream college.
Zoey 101 had it all wrong, Vespas and coffee carts on the way to class is unrealistic, but I wouldn't have minded it.
