When I tell people that I go to an all-girls boarding school, the most common reaction I get is, “What did you do to get sent away to school?” Actually, it is quite the opposite; it was my choice to go to boarding school and I am grateful for the experience. When I was considering high schools in eighth grade, I looked at a total of seven very different boarding schools, five on the east coast and two on the west coast. Each school had a unique environment, but ultimately, I was drawn to Santa Catalina and its distinct sense of community. The school’s welcoming atmosphere immediately set me at ease, and the girls were so friendly and helpful that starting a new school was easy and enjoyable. The environment is vibrant and fun, but I am also becoming more independent and responsible than I ever imagined. I do laundry, run errands, stay on top of school work, and go out with friends all on my own. This has given me a huge sense of accomplishment.

Another aspect that attracted me to boarding school was the high quality of education and smaller class sizes that allow for more personal interaction with the teachers. Not only do your teachers know your name, but you get to know them on a much more personal level. They are there to help and guide you, whether you are having trouble with homework or just need someone to talk to. Quite a few of our teachers actually live on campus, making them and their families an integral part of the residential community. In fact, I often babysit the children of two of our teachers.

Boarding school has also given me the ability to be involved in many different activities. This year I not only played on the varsity tennis and lacrosse teams, but also started a Harry Potter club, which included activities such as a Yule Ball dinner and Quidditch matches, complete with brooms. I also worked as a staff member on the student-run arts publication, Mosaic. The diverse community of a boarding school makes it okay to try a new activity or to start a new club.

Having attended a co-ed school for 11 years before coming to Santa Catalina, I now appreciate the all-girls setting of the school and am amazed at how the absence of boys can make such a significant difference. No boys means no one to show off for or impress, creating a very relaxed atmosphere where girls are free to be themselves. The girls at Santa Catalina are some of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. I love watching movies with them on weekends, packing a picnic and walking to the beach with them on sunny afternoons, and going for runs, only to buy chai tea lattes and frozen yogurt at the end!. The friends I have made at Santa Catalina are ones I know will last, and I am so grateful to have them in my life. Choosing a high school is an extremely important decision, but I know that my choice to attend boarding school has been one of the best I could have made!