Why Attend an All Women's College?
I recently was invited to speak at a Panel about attending an All Women’s College. The panel included a stellar lineup of alumnae from Wellesley, Barnard, Smith, Bryn Mawr and Mount Holyoke. Now, more than ever, women’s colleges are so important as they create space for women to thrive. When I say women, this includes all women (cisgender, non-binary, trans, AFAB). I had the privilege of attending two incredible all-women’s colleges, Smith and Barnard Colleges. I spent 1.5 years at Smith College in Massachusetts and eventually transferred to Barnard College in New York City. Read on to see the compelling questions asked during the panel, and my responses to them:
Why a women's college? When you began your college search, was a women’s college on your mind?
I wanted to attend an all-women’s college because I wanted to be comfortable speaking up and being heard. I knew I wanted to attend a liberal arts college, and it was amazing to see the opportunity of having an all-women’s setting as well. I thought back to my primary school experience when I was in an all-girls environment. I felt more emboldened to be myself, to speak up, and to make suggestions. From my own lived experience at a co-ed high school, I couldn’t fully be myself. I felt that my voice and expression were drowned out.
I applied to an all-women’s college because I knew it would allow me to foster a stronger sense of self, and practice the skills I needed including speaking and writing. According to Insight Higher Ed, a study shows that “men speak 1.6 times more than women in college classrooms.” Despite conversations around gender equality, there’s still so much work that needs to be done. In the Forbes Article Women Are Encouraged to Speak Up, But is Anyone Listening?, the author conducted a survey on Gendered Ageism in the Workplace and highlights the disparities that still exist today. The findings are that women have a lack of trust in the workplace systems to ensure equity, and 70% stated that they didn’t take action after experiencing gendered ageism because they didn’t believe it would make a difference.
Reflecting back, being in a classroom full of women (including cisgender/ non-binary/ trans/ AFAB) was so powerful. I’m able to envision a future where women lead. It was a possibility because I was living that reality. Going to an all Womens’s College really made me feel like I had an advantage after I graduated because my skills were constructively shaped and moulded. I felt like I embodied being bold, beautiful and brave, which is Barnard’s motto. The level of brilliance I see in all women's colleges is truly unmatched.
Every women’s college has its own vibe, culture, curriculum, and history. How would you describe your individual campuses?
Smith:
Quintessential New England College Campus Experience
I loved the architecture, which ranged from modern to Gothic to classic revival. They weren’t huge buildings I had classes in, but rather individual houses where I could walk up spiral and carpeted staircases. It felt really cozy.
Being able to immerse myself in New England Foliage was so haunting and special.
Barnard:
Barnard feels like a pulse, a heartbeat in Manhattan. When I think of a Barnard grad or student, I think of independent, bold, and worthy. The city is an undeniable part of the Barnard experience. I felt so safe and sheltered yet at the same time having the city as a resource to learn and grow was unmatched.
The savvy city girl trope. Everyone had the savviness of surviving in New York. Truthfully, it’s a required skill to walk down avenues during snow storms. And of course, knowing how to navigate around the city, as classes were held off campus often. Being able to take classes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art while studying Art History was such a dream come true.
What most surprised you about attending a women’s college?
Quite frankly, there aren’t many surprises because I knew what I was signing up for. The level of support and community I still feel after graduating, the importance of being a part of a kindred community. And the strong sense of self and belonging that I received after graduating.
What are some misconceptions about women’s colleges?
Some misconceptions about women’s colleges That peers can be catty - but this is the opposite, I felt a lot of support and love, even after I transferred colleges. There’s also a misconception that you won’t be able to see the opposite sex on campus. So my answer to this question is it depends which school you choose. When I was at Smith, the reality was there were not many people of the opposite sex on campus. I had to travel to other colleges in the Amherst College Consortium to be in co-ed settings. And while the consortium exists, it isn’t extremely convenient travelling from one college to another. On the other hand, because Barnard is affiliated with Columbia University, you see everyone from both campuses day in and out. After attending Smith, Barnard gave me a different experience of attending an All Women’s College. I loved that I could retreat back to my dorm at Barnard, and something feels really special about cocooning in a space built for women. With Athena being a school emblem, it feels like once you enter through the gates, you’re protected and encouraged to excel in “Athena land.”
Regarding both women’s colleges, when you attend, you’re in an environment of people who willingly chose to be in this community, and there’s a special understanding. Everyone knows how challenging academics are, and the benefits of being in a community of smart and brilliant women. It removes the outside layers of having to defend your choices or tell other people your worth. Your peers and professors believe in an all-women’s education. You don’t have to explain yourself, you can just be.
Of the people who thrive on women’s college campuses, what quality or qualities do they seem to have in common?
The qualities they have in common are having an open heart and an open mind. They are fiercely independent, are open to learning and growth, appreciate the value of an all-women’s education, history of women, and have reverence towards their peers and support a culture of inclusivity and tolerance.
For example, I was able to be the arts editor of the Smith College Newspaper because it was a more tight-knit community. I was able to learn more about writing and take on responsibilities swiftly. You feel like even as a first-year or sophomore, there’s a lot you can be involved with. Whereas at a bigger institution, being able to contribute at a higher level is often only granted to juniors or seniors. Most importantly, those who thrive are independent but also know how to seek help when they need it. They know where and how to find resources, and aren’t afraid to speak up. Especially since the professors at liberal arts colleges are often open and welcoming during office hours.
Representing Barnard with Cherilyn Lau ‘22!
A huge thank you to Edna Wong for the photos too.
What would I do differently if I had to redo the college application process?
I would visit the college campuses that I apply to. I know that this is a privilege for many, but since you’ll be spending the next 3 or 4 years there, it is important to have a sense of the campus and energy of the school. Ultimately, I’d give myself more grace and not be so hung up on rankings, because at the end of the day, the school you choose should be the best fit for you.
Why a Liberal Arts Education?
I chose a Liberal Arts Education because I was able to experiment and enrol in a wide variety of classes. The reality of today’s world is that change is the only constant. You have to apply yourself, and you learn the skills of being adaptable and flexible. Especially as an entrepreneur myself, I have to wear so many hats. The skills of writing, reading, especially comprehension, time management, and working through long projects with patience and dynamism. If anything, my college education has prepared me to take on challenges as I continue to grow and expand.