As an 18 year old girl about to enter college, why on earth would I decide to go to a women's college? Forgoing the "typical" college experience to go into a community of 2,500 women seems bizarre.

I never expected to commit to a women's college; yet, the idea grew on me and along with it came a rush of emotions (as most high school seniors experience throughout application process).

In the beginning, I rejected the notion of a women's college as inadequate for college. It would be too out of the ordinary. No frat parties, no males in the classroom, and no possibility of meeting a college sweetheart... As a junior in high school, I was unsure of what I wanted and too immature to realize its benefits. I did shy away from Wellesley and her seven sisters.

Fast forward to six months in a Math Higher Level class where six out of eight students were male-- I was not intimidated however I was not comfortable either. For the first time in my life, I lacked a sense of confidence and motivation. Here I am, a concerned junior who is scrambling to create a college list. So when my college counselor brought up women's colleges one more time, my ears were more attune and my mind more open.

There on forward came the Universal's Hulk Roller Coaster of emotions. Wellesley's website became my best friend and my stomach felt the initial climb. Very soon, I was hooked on the idea. Then came the visit...

On a scorching July day, my dad and I parked the car in front of the New England style Admissions Building. By the end of the usual campus tour and info session, we were both blown away by the eloquence and confidence the Wellesley Women had. Not to mention, its gorgeous campus with the reflective water of the lake and somewhat spooky lanterns.

The time to apply to colleges had arrived and Wellesley surely made it on the list, which for me was a very easy decision to make. Now, it was up to fate to decide. Upon receiving a spot for Class of 2020, I felt nothing-- no happiness, no excitement, no tears.

Then came the loop-the-loops. Thankful to have the tremendous opportunity to attend such an institution as Wellesley, I shied away. Looking back, it is even difficult to analyze why I turned my back. It seems so clear to me now why a women's college.

According to Forbes, "Women’s colleges instill a sense of leadership in students. Graduates of women’s colleges comprise more than 20% of women in Congress, and represent 30% of a Businessweek list of rising women in corporate America.” Only 2% of American female college graduates attended a women’s college, which puts these statistics into perspective.

At Wellesley, I will be immersed in a community of ambitious, young women who are curious to know more. There, we can hold leadership positions and be comfortable in all the ways imaginable. Isn't that what college is for? To grow and learn more about yourself in the best possible way.

As I enter my first year in a women's college, I am sure it won't be easy and it won't be a normal college experience. But what is normal after all?