Roanoke is lucky to have its very own private, liberal-arts, all women’s college nearby — Hollins University. As its marketing line goes, “Women who are going places start at Hollins!”
Hollins is the first chartered women’s college in Virginia, and it enrolls about 800 undergraduates a year.
Single-sex colleges are filled with many timeless traditions, and a strong sense of community. For example, upon being accepted to Hollins, I began hearing from members of the Hollins family. I received a personal congratulatory letter filled with confetti from the associate director of admissions, Nikki Johnson. I got telephone calls from Hollins students, even a goody bag filled with treats for study breaks. All of these little touches really made me feel welcome in the Hollins community.
Another advantage of single-sex education is the individual attention that students receive. With small class sizes — some with fewer than 20 students — it is easy for the women to interact with professors. With more class participation, students often develop high self-esteem and leadership skills that will help them with the job search after graduation.
Many women who graduate from all-female colleges go on to have successful careers and high salaries. In fact, according to Hollins’ Web site, women’s college graduates are twice as likely to earn a Ph.D. and attend medical school as women who attend co-ed institutions.
Indeed, women’s colleges such as Hollins offer many internships, leadership and service opportunities that could not be obtained in a co-ed environment.
From a sense of belonging, to a successful career, it is a wonder more students haven’t considered single-sex education.
And if you are worried about a lack of boys, no need. You’ll have all week to focus on your studies, and then — where do you think all the guys go on weekends?
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