by an Anonymous WriterAs my first session as a boarding school student comes to a close, I have found out a lot of things. I go to an all-girls school by choice, and when I tell people that they think I'm crazy.
The thing that bugs me the most are the stereotypes that people have of boarding school and the people that go there: That it is a horrible place where nobody has fun, our parents forced us to go, there is something wrong with us, that everyone is rich, "I would die if I didn't have boys!" and that all we do is study.
Well, I have news for everyone who thinks these things: You're wrong. First off, the majority of my school is on scholarship or financial aid - this proves we aren't all rich. Secondly, I don't know anyone who goes to boarding school that didn't chose to be there. In fact, when you apply they make sure you aren't being forced to go there. I know there are boarding schools where people's parents force them to go because they are " troubled" or on drugs or something - but the truth is that most boarding schools aren't like that!
Boarding school is a ton of fun. You live with your friends! On weekends we get to go on trips to the mall just like any other teen does. We also get to go to NYC and Boston, to the Asian market, to dances (with guys!), laser tagging and tons more. These trips are super fun and most of them are free or cost only 5 dollars.
As for the guys, how many times have you been bugged by a guy in the classroom or in the hall? Aren't they the ones that create a ton of drama between who-likes-who and whatnot? Don't people who pretend to be stupid just to get boys to like them drive you crazy? Since there are no boys at our school, there is very little drama and no one yelling over you in the classroom. But we still meet guys on weekends, at dances, and during vacation. Sure, you may not think you could live without guys, but you might be surprised how easy it is to survive without all that testosterone. And when you're having a bad hair day or just feel like wearing sweats, nobody blinks an eyelash.
As for academics, we might study a little more than your average high-schooler, but we take education seriously. I'm not saying that if you don't go to a boarding school you don't care about your education! However, how many of you can say that 80% or more of their grade is dedicated to doing well and contributing to the class discussion, pulling their weight in class projects, and willing to go the extra mile?
Not only do we learn a ton inside the classroom, we learn a ton outside the classroom, too. Thanks to boarding school I already know how to deal with a room mate and what it's like to be completely responsible for myself and my actions. I know how to budget money and do my own laundry. I know how to be assertive and ask for help when I need it. Not only this, but I have learned to manage my time extremely well. I won't be homesick when I get to college, and I'll know exactly what do bring for my dorm room.
Sure, there are things I miss about home (having my own TV and my mom's cooking to name a few) but I know that without boarding school I would never have gotten to be this independent or confidant. I know that you can achieve these things at a day school (public or private) but I really believe that I wouldn't have been able to hold my chin up and be proud of who I am if I didn't go to boarding school. It forces you to become self-reliant and grow in more ways then you can imagine.
So I think all you boarding-school-a-phobes should reconsider: boarding school is a great place not only to get an education but to meet people from around the world and start to become someone who you never thought you could be.
The opinions expressed on this page are the writer's and may not reflect the opinions of this site.
