AAUW Dialog

When I began looking at colleges in 2001, I never thought that I would choose a women’s college. The main thing that I was looking for was a place where I could learn and become a better person. I was so tired of being student 761028 at Montgomery Blair High School. I wanted a place where I could be passionate about history and not be asked, Why are you studying that? Ultimately, I chose to attend the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, located in Baltimore, Maryland. When I first arrived on campus I could already envision myself walking into class. As I walked to Gibbons, I enjoyed the way the sun would shine and how the wind would blow.

Of course young women value their education at co-ed colleges and universities as well as they do at women’s colleges, but there is something special about an all-women’s college. At a women’s college there are many wonderful opportunities for campus involvement because the only leaders around are other young women. Young women assume the responsibility for organizational governing boards, which can teach them valuable leadership skills. At the College of Notre Dame, I ran lights for student plays for two years, and I served for two years as blood drive coordinator, president of Best Buddies, and student team of admissions representatives tour guide coordinator. I was also president of the Community Service Organization, a resident assistant, and a senator.

At a women’s college, the professors you meet become your mentors. When I first arrived for a series of orientations, I enjoyed listening to the department chairs. Some of the professors I heard speak became the best teachers and mentors I have ever had. Through them I discovered how much I enjoy English and political science, which all tied into history in the end. Those same professors teach young women how to be strong and independent, and challenge students so that they will succeed. Students are also able to talk with their professors more, usually because women’s colleges are smaller institutions.

The questions I had when choosing a college have been perceived as “disadvantages” to attending a women’s college by some. One such “disadvantage” is the lack of male interaction in the classroom. While classes at a women’s college have no male interaction, many colleges (both women’s colleges and co-ed colleges) have consortiums that allow students to take classes at other colleges within the consortium. A young woman from a women’s college feels more confident in other classroom environments, even if male students are present, because she is used to speaking her mind. Another related “disadvantage” is the lack of opportunities to network with men, but anyone can network whatever the setting she happens to be in. Women’s colleges are nurturing environments where growth is strongly encouraged, and women gain additional self confidence there. In fact, two of the most powerful women in the country today — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi — both attended women’s colleges. Obviously, these two women have dispelled the disadvantages myths.

While attending the College of Notre Dame, the students strived for academic success and were involved in extracurricular activities. Many of my peers travel, work, or are pursuing graduate degrees. My peers and countless other young women have thrived because of the education they have received or are receiving in a women’s college.

This post was written by Jennifer McGuire, AAUW-Leadership and Training Institute Fellow.