I began my post-high school education at a women’s college in Virginia. That college no longer exists, however not in the way it did nearly two decades ago (ouch, am I really that old now?).
In 2007, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (RMWC) became Randolph College, opening its doors to men for the first time in its 115-year history.
That change was a sign of the times. Today, there are less than 50 women’s college in the United States. It’s a disappearing educational tradition.
I have mixed feeling about this.
The reason I chose to attend a women’s college still holds true: it fosters a learning environment that supports and encourages women to become strong, confident leaders in their fields and in their communities — the alumni network is a force to be reckoned with.
I remember my first visit to RMWC. I was there for a Prospective’s Weekend, an overnight open house for interested students to get a feel for life on campus. My host was a sophomore student. Her sister, an alumnus, joined us for dinner in the dining hall. I remember being so impressed by her that it sealed my decision about the school.
I wanted to be like her when I graduated from college.
Ultimately, however, RMWC wasn’t for me. I transferred to a co-ed school the following year — and no, my decision had nothing to do with boys. It was a combination of events that made that school a very unhappy place for me to be. Much of that was me and the random stuff that happened but part of it was the cattiness that resulted.
Still, I made a great friend in my two semesters at RMWC and some good connections since. The experience as a whole was a defining one and, even though it wasn’t for me, it still saddens me to see this tradition disappear.
The culture is unique and special — and perfect for the right woman.
Did you or someone you know attend a women’s college? Please share that experience in the comments below.
This post was inspired by Bittersweet, a novel by Miranda Beverly-Whittenmore about two college roommates, one crazy summer, and the desire of an outsider to belong. As a member of the From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of the book for free. All opinions expressed are my own. The book link is an Amazon affiliate link.
I didn’t attend an all women’s college, but it never occurred to me that I should look at one.
I did attend a women’s college – but it was part of a bigger university, so while men couldn’t be enrolled there they could take classes, so it didn’t feel incredibly isolating. I also stayed in an all-female residence during my first year of school (different school – I transferred) and honestly, I had mixed feelings about the all-female element. You mentioned cattiness, which is something that I saw a lot of both at the residence and later at the all-female school – perhaps it was the best choice for some people, but ultimately it wasn’t for me – I finished out my education there, but I took as many courses on the main (co-ed) campus as possible.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..(Long) Weekend Recap: Travel, Shows, and Godzilla.
That’s interesting. I know of two colleges in Maryland that allowed men to attend classes but not live on campus, one of which was located next to the college I transferred to. Our campuses shared a library.
Cattiness was a big problem then but, looking back now, I have to wonder how much of my experience was related to my maturity level at the time. I still encounter cattiness among groups of women but I try not to engage in it or let it bother me. Life’s too short for that kind of drama.
Thank you for commenting!
Hi Shannon,
I am a proud ’09 alumna of Wilson College, a women’s college that is in the midst of a turbulent and controversial change. My college experience was much different from some of the other commenters, I loved every second of it. Going to a women’s college instilled me with courage, determination, and a sense of self that I know I could not have gotten at a coed institution. The cattiness that many associate with large groups of young women and sometimes with women’s colleges was never a factor in my experience at Wilson. For me it was just the opposite, a safe haven from cliques and cattiness I dealt with in high school.
It is undeniable that many women’s colleges are facing financial issues but these institutions still hold value for women today. When I consider my female role models I know it is not sheer coincidence that the majority of them attended women’s colleges. While single sex education is not for everyone I firmly believe that all women should have the opportunity. It breaks my heart to think that women will not be able to enjoy the same educational freedom that I experienced at Wilson and I believe there is still validity in fighting to keep these institutions alive. My alma mater is in the midst of a major change of its founding mission – to educate women – amidst much controversy. You are right that the alumnae network is a force to be reckoned with, because of the will power of my fellow alumnae the injustices that have occurred are now set to be decided in a landmark trial by the PA Department of Education. You can find out more at wilsoncollegewomen.com Thank you for posting on this very important topic!
Sincerely,
Samantha
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m happy to hear it was a good one.