Given the recent events in Pakistan, I feel as though it is important to share how I feel my women’s college is benefiting me both now and in the future. I feel blessed to have been afforded an opportunity for an education and it saddens me that not all girls and women have education readily accessible to them. As a tour guide, I repeatedly get the question, “So, how do you feel about the umm…all-girl thing?” My response to this is always, “Oh, a women’s college?! I love it!” Before I came to Scripps—while already desperately in love with the school—I found myself having to justify my choice to both myself and to others. I’d explain that, “Scripps isn’t reallllly a women’s college because it’s part of a consortium.” Now, after having been at Scripps for over a year, I have found that one of the things I love most about it is the fact that it is a women’s college. Having experienced all-women classes, I have a different appreciation for a women’s education than I would have otherwise. And, most importantly in this context, I think that coming from a women’s college many Scripps students are more prepared than they might otherwise be, because of their women’s education.

Statistics show that women who attend women’s colleges participate more in the classroom, get better grades in classes than they would at co-ed colleges, are more likely to get professional degrees, attend grad school and hold higher positions in their careers. I’m the first to admit that I didn’t think being in an all female classroom would impact my class experience, but it does. I have found that even I—the girl who has never been afraid to show that she has a brain—feel more relaxed in the classroom. And, not only that, I also feel more inspired, creative and driven. I have found that in classes such as Core, my professors, my peers and I have challenged myself to come up with new ideas.

It is has been shown (mostly through the media) that people behave based on what they see happening around them. That is, when women are objectified in the media, society mimics those actions and interacts in the same way. However, Scripps comes along with amazing on-campus student leaders and highly successful alums. Every time I meet Scripps alumnae, have a conversation with a faculty member or strike a debate with my friends, it inspires me to work harder. I see highly motivated, strong and intelligent women surrounding me on a daily basis, and it encourages me to do the same.

It is so easy to take an education for granted when in the midst of finals, papers and reading. Our education is part of our key to success, but sadly there are many girls and women in the US and around the world who aren’t afforded the same opportunity. Are there any parts of your women’s college education you think will be particularly useful when you enter the work force? Are there any parts of your education you may have taken for granted over the years?

Click here for more information about Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teen who was attacked by the Taliban for demanding an education for girls.