I have sisters. They’re not bio­logical. I’m not in a sorority. For years, every morning, we said our prayers before the homeroom teacher scanned the class to check attendance and skirt lengths. We complained about homework, go­ing to class or Mass on an empty stomach, and having to change out of our Uggs. Every afternoon, we congratulated and complimented each other on good test scores or well-done art projects, all the while dreading the short walk from lunch to religion class.

I’m talking about Catholic school, and I’m not sure anything could compare to or replace the immediate bond I have with any­one who went through Catholic schooling, especially those who went to my high school, Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel in White Plains.

I speak with a bias, of course, because I never went to public school growing up. I wouldn’t change this fact. Now, I go to Pace, which has no religious affili­ation. I remain close friends with several of my Good Counsel girls, and I am always happy to see any of my old schoolmates. I go back to visit my high school from time to time, offering college advice to any girl who seeks it and, of course, joking with old friends and teachers about the days spent in high school. I still feel at home on that White Plains campus, and the sense of community and welcom­ing atmosphere is something that I hope never changes. This sense of community goes beyond my cam­pus, though.

The Catholic School bond is a special one, which reaches farther than your particular school and classmates. Anyone who went to Catholic school understands “the struggle” of getting detentions for wearing the wrong socks, having to memorize stories in the Bible, wearing a uniform, high academic expectations, volunteering, and so much more. I can talk to some­one who went to Catholic school (whether it was coed, all-boy or all-girl) for hours, comparing ex­periences and forming friendships based on that understanding of how unique our educations were.

I’m thankful I went to Catho­lic school, and especially thankful I went to Good Counsel. Those girls are talented, successful, un­derstanding, and are always there for each other even if they haven’t spoken or weren’t the closest.