For us Catholic School kids uniforms were a crucial part of our everyday life. We had several expectations on what we would do in these uniforms. It was obvious we would:

• take tests and quizzes
• sit in desks
• commute- whether near or far- to school by bus or by car
• complete science labs
• eat lunch
• climb stairs
• give presentations
• go to masses or prayer services
• do homework

But, there is no doubt it came as a surprise when all we did things out of the uniform. For girls, doing things in a skirt and knee-highs became second nature and for the boys, dress shoes were not even a consideration when attempting a new task. We walked into school on the first day with a nicely pressed uniform, even freshly hemmed in some cases. But by the end of senior year, we all had our own uniquely formed uniforms. Stains here, rips there, it was really a testament to our adventures and successes. Listed below are things you never thought you would do in a uniform, but of course you did do at one point or another.

• go to doctor’s appointments
• go out to eat
• wear it in 100 + degrees
• wear it in -10 degrees
• brush a foot of snow off your car
• hike through snow - not to mention in sperrys
• go to driving lessons
• go to the mall
• pick up pay checks
• dissect animals
• field trips
• sleep in it
• light a fire- or many- in lab
• wear it to home and away games as fans - because why change?
• complete art projects and cover it in paint
• receive stares in public places
• rehearse play lines
• appear in a vine - Catholic School Edition of "Gas Pedal"
• play pick up games in the gym between school and practices

Our uniforms were a part of us for four years of high school and for many several years before that too. The change of uniform from grade school to middle school was even a symbol of growing up for those who attended private elementary school too. Uniforms made us look the same on the outside, forcing us to grow more on the inside. Uniforms were a look that will never go out of style. And for that I can say, I am thankful for every uniform I ever wore. Thanks for withstanding all of random thing we went through. Thanks for a good run, especially all the things I never though I would do in a uniform.