Whenever I tell people that the best decision of my life was my choice to attend an all-girls’ high school, they usually give me a strange look. The thing is, it really was! I attended a small, all girls, and private catholic high school that truly made me into the young woman I am today. I formed amazing bonds with the other 130 girls that I saw every single day for four years.

Without them, the experience would have never been as amazing as it was. Not only did my school educate me, but it also empowered me to be a strong, independent woman. They leave lasting and obvious telltale signs that you spent four years surrounded by only girls.

1. Shaving your legs is totally optional.

When there are no boys in sight, no one actually cares if you have smooth and silky legs or if it looks like you’re as hairy as big foot. Our winter uniform was a pair of pants that pretty much ensured that no one was shaving their legs. Confession: I went to prom with only one leg shaved because I was too lazy to shave both. Even now that you’re out of high school, you probably need to be reminded to shave.

2. You are extremely comfortable without makeup on.

Makeup is amazing and all, but you never actually needed to wear any to school. Now in college, you are totally comfortable going to class without any makeup on because, hey, why put on a full face of makeup when you can sleep for an extra 30 minutes?

3. You have no shame in discussing your period or need for feminine products.

There probably was never a day that went by where you didn’t hear someone yelling for a tampon or pad or complaining about her cramps. It was normal! Every girl was definitely stocked up with anything you could have needed for your time of the month.

4. Sweatpants function as more than just lounge clothes/pajamas.

On dress down days, there was not a pair of jeans in sight. Sweatpants functioned as your outfit of choice, they were comfy and did not require much effort. Honestly, most girls probably just slept in them, rolled out of bed, and made their way to school without once changing their clothes.

5. You have mastered the art of the messy bun.

Why actually put effort into your hair when you can just put your hair up in a messy bun that is both functional and cute? Exactly.

6. Seeing guys in your college classes was weird.

You just spent four years without a guy in sight and then suddenly there were 20 right in front of you! You obviously weren’t intimidated, but you were definitely confused. You only found them distracting because they were lacking ponytails (at least most of them were). It was also really strange not hearing your professor say “hello ladies” when they walked in the room.

7. You have a ton of sisters who aren't necessarily in your family.

During the school year, you spent more time with all of the girls you went to school with than with your own family. Everyone knew everything about your life. These girls have seen you laugh, cry, fail and succeed. You all rooted for each other when good things happened and consoled each other when tough situations arose. You are all a huge family, and not even graduation and different colleges can change that.

I’m so thankful for my all girls’ school and for the girls that I watched grow into amazing young women.